Approximately $100 million has been earmarked by the Federal Government to be used to expand broadband Internet in the rural outlying areas of 16 states.  These areas have been identified as not currently having any type of broadband access by wire. Many of the large Internet service providers will be called upon to widen the technological gap between urban and rural communities.  Why has the government budgeted for this?  It is because they have learned that broadband Internet service improves people’s lives.  The Internet is not only necessary to attract business to an area, but is also a vital part of a child’s education in the 21st century.  It has been estimated today that 10% of all Americans do not have access to a high-speed broadband Internet connection.  Many of those affected live in outlying rural communities.