Stimulus initiative funds rural broadband Internet

A $7.2 billion stimulus initiative is designed to expand broadband access and speed up the extinction of the dial-up modem. Those who advocate using federal stimulus funds to expand rural broadband service say it is vital to many small towns in the United States.

High-speed Internet has become a requirement for many U.S. businesses, proponents say. For entrepreneurs in rural areas, a broadband connection can be an economic lifeline.

Stateline.org explained that nearly 20 percent of Americans don't have access to broadband. Meanwhile, the Pew Internet and American Life Project said that more than six out of 10 Americans have broadband access in their homes now.

U.S. government will not get telcom data

The U.S. Commerce Department has agreed to drop a request for sensitive revenue and Internet speed data from telecommunication providers. The information would have been for a program to map broadband use in U.S. homes and bring high-speed Internet service to more people.

The Commerce Department said that companies such as Verizon Communications Inc, Comcast Corp, and AT&T Inc do not have to share how much money they make from each Internet subscriber. Nor must they say how fast their Internet connections typically run.

Instead, they will provide data by the block, usually about a dozen homes depending on the size of the block. They also will share the speed of Internet service that they advertise.

Companies do not want to share the specific data because they do not want their competitors to see it.

However, critics of the Commerce Department's decision maintain that failing to make the data public allows the companies to advertise -- and charge for -- something that they often cannot deliver.

Securing your future with gold

During a troubled economy, many investors turn their attention to precious metals, especially gold. Since ancient times, gold has been a way to measure value in virtually all cultures.

You don’t have to be a millionaire to invest in gold, and you don’t have to work on Wall Street. Those of us on Main Street can take advantage of a free online resource -- GoldCoinsGain.com. Once you've made up your mind to buy gold coins, the website can quickly bring you up to speed.

When it comes to precious metals, the market never closes. Adding gold to your portfolio can give you a lot of flexibility. Should you decide to buy gold bullion, you’re bound to get a good return on your investment.

These days, the faltering economy has almost everyone wondering if they’re adequately prepared for retirement. You’re never too young to start planning ahead. When securing your individual retirement account, consider a gold IRA. Backing your IRA physically with gold coins could prove to be a smart move. You can also use gold to guarantee a 401K rollover.

If you’re a novice when it comes to purchasing gold coins, GoldCoinsGain.com offers plenty of online support. Learn when and how to get into the market, and what investments are right for you.

It’s no secret that the U.S. dollar has been declining in value for decades. During the recession, everyone is seeking some semblance of stability.

You can't always depend on currency that comes off a printing press. Gold is real money. If you want to secure your financial future, buy gold.