The campaign -- which began with last year's enabling legislation -- will expand DSL coverage in 15 cities served by AT&T Missouri that currently have broadband access, and bring DSL service to nine new Missouri towns -- mainly rural communities. The investment by AT&T Missouri will amount to $28 million.
"Access to this type of technology will spur economic development, connect friends and family, and set the stage for the expansion of Internet technology in our state, which is critical to our future," Gov. Blunt said. "With this new investment, we are bringing the latest broadband technology to some of the smallest communities in our state."
The nine communities receiving DSL for the first time are Portage des Sioux, Lancaster, Downing, Edina, Clarksville, Higbee, Marston, Pierce City and LaMonte.
Cities in which DSL will be expanded are Kirksville, St. Joseph, Smithville, Kansas City, Moberly, Harvester, Manchester, St. Louis, Wildwood, Park Hills, Springfield, Republic, Joplin, Union and Neosho.
"Last year's legislation, Senate Bill 237, was designed to create strong job growth and new technology investment," said Sen. David Klindt, who spearheaded the legislation in the Senate. "By modernizing the regulation of the telecom industry in Missouri, we can ensure that consumers have faster access to the latest technology."
"The legislation was carefully crafted to ensure that the interests of the people are at the heart of this bill -- creating jobs, encouraging investment, and bringing technology to more Missourians. That was our number one priority with this legislation," said Rep. Rex Rector, who sponsored the legislation in the House.
Under the new law, traditional local telephone service providers like AT&T, Century Tel and Sprint have greater flexibility to price services in response to market competition -- just as their competitors. Competitive local telephone companies, cable, wireless and Internet companies are offering phone service in every corner of the state.
