VT House Approves E-State Plan

...the bill creates an authority that could fund construction of a telecommunication network's foundation -- the poles and towers on which such a network's antennae and other equipment could be installed by a private company that provides high-speed computer connections.

"Consumers are demanding these products and services," said Rep. Steve Adams, R-Hartland. "I'm looking forward to flipping open my cell phone in those remote places and seeing there is service."

The state has set a goal of extending reliable cellular telephone service and high-speed computer service known as broadband into every area of the state by 2010. Now, wide swaths of Vermont get no cell signals and computer users must use much slower dial-up service.

The Telecommunications Authority would have the power to float state-backed bonds valued at $40 million to build the poles, towers and other parts of the basic network. It would then lease space on the network to companies that would sell their service to consumers.