Stimulus funds to help spread broadband across county | lancastereaglegazette.com | Lancaster Eagle Gazette

LANCASTER -- Almost all county residents without broadband Internet access will be given the opportunity to get it within the next two years with the help of federal stimulus funds.

Intelliware, an Athens-based wireless Internet provider, received more than $2.2 million in grants and loans to offer broadband Internet service to about 11,232 households in three counties.

Connect Ohio, a nonprofit organization that works toward extending affordable high-speed internet to every Ohio household, estimates 4,689 homes in the state do not have access to broadband service.

Don Shirley, state operations manager for Connect Ohio, has spoken with residents and business owners seeking high-speed Internet in Fairfield County. He said most would sign up for the service if it were available...