The decision means high-speed internet access, modern dataswitching, fiber-optic rings and basics like voice mail to citiesalong the north and central coasts, down into the central valley,up into the cascades and over to Eastern Oregon areas around Bend,Prineville and Pendleton. Among the benefits of existing residentsand businesses, the enhancements will allow rural economicdevelopment departments to actively court business that needs suchcommunications infrastructure.

The projects were the first of two sets that will be recommendedby the Connecting Oregon Advisory Board. The board is responsiblefor suggesting rural areas that should receive enhancedcommunications services with the $70 million pot set aside by Qwestfor such improvements. The money is a result of Senate Bill 622,passed in 1999, which deregulated the profits of US West inexchange for the $70 million rural improvement fund and a $50million education-related telecom projects.