Rural areas could get fast Internet

MONTPELIER - A move by the Federal Communications Commission that would allow unused television frequencies to be used to provide Internet services is a great leap forward in efforts to bring high-speed Internet to rural areas, Vermont officials say.

Vermont Telecommunications Authority chairwoman Mary Evslin said the technology could mean that a Vermonter's car could let the driver know where the nearest gas station is.

"This was a very innovative move for the FCC and they did so under great pressure from other groups to delay a decision," said Evslin.

The Vermont Telecommunications Authority and other Vermont Internet advocates lobbied hard for the FCC to approve this change.

The commission made the vote on Tuesday.