QWest applies for $350 million in federal funds to improve rural high-speed broadband

QWest Communications has filed a $350 million dollar grant application with the federal government in an attempt to bring high-speed broadband to rural communities, including Calmar and Decorah.

The money would come from the "Broadband Initiatives Program," which was created by the Obama Administration in an effort to improve Internet service in rural areas of the country.
Grants are expected to be awarded by September 30th.

QWest officials say they are ready to go with the installation of new fiber-optic lines and with other equipment upgrades. There would be 130 construction or upgrade projects in Iowa if the grant is improved, affecting 24,000 homes and 3,000 businesses.