The "Beanpole" Project

The "Beanpole" project has received $10 million to give grants to local governments to date. These grants are aimed at attracting private companies to provide high-speed Internet access to rural areas in Colorado in order to bridge the "Digital Divide."

The grants are made in two phases to multiple local government groups. The goal is to aggregate local demand and reduce costs.

DSL
Digital Subscriber Line
(pronounced: D-S-L or diesel)

A telecommunications line that provides a fast, permanent connection to the Internet. DSL uses the copper wiring found in almost every home and office. Special hardware attached at both ends of the line allows data to transmit at a far greater speed than standard telephone wiring can. It also provides a constant connection to the Internet, 24/7, so there is no need to dial-in to an ISP each time you want to get online (see: always-on).

One of the mostly frequently asked questions at the Bud Werner Memorial Library in Steamboat is: "Where can I get on the Internet?" As access to information and communication through email becomes more a way of life for our local