Rural, urban areas of Ohio seek broadband cash | thenews-messenger.com | The News-Messenger

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- State broadband planners say Ohio's unique mix of rural, Appalachian and poor urban communities give it a strong chance of winning federal stimulus grants to pay for better Internet access.

In the first round of bidding for $7.2 billion in grants, loans and loan guarantees to expand broadband, both in-state and out-of-state groups asked for millions to help underserved populations in the state get connected...