Blunt announces task force to look at high-speed Internet access

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- A 16-member task force will explore ways to increase high-speed Internet access in rural Missouri, Gov. Matt Blunt announced Wednesday.

Speaking at an annual telecommunications conference at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Blunt signed an executive order creating the task force, which will be led by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

A recent study by the Missouri Public Service Commission found that about 1.2 million state residents, or one in five households, don't have either cable modems or digital subscriber lines.

"Many communities lack access to the infrastructure necessary for high-speed Internet," Blunt said. "In today's high-speed economy, Missourians shouldn't be denied access because they live in a rural area."

The panel will also include small business owners, the director of the state economic development agency and representatives from the Missouri Farm Bureau and state Chamber of Commerce.

Blunt said the group will issue its report by Feb. 1, 2008, giving state lawmakers time to pursue regulatory charges during the 2008 session if necessary.