COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Some lawmakers have endorsed a plan to lease South Carolina's Educational Television's excess capacity to create a wireless broadband network.
The State reported that supporters say the plan will bring in revenue, while offering a new technology, for a fee.
A subcommittee Thursday endorsed a nearly $143 million, 30-year lease with two private companies that will use ETV's excess capacity to bring a broadband technology called WiMax to the state.
ETV converted to a digital format from its analog one, freeing up 95 percent of its capacity.
The Joint Bond Review Committee will consider the agreement next week. The Budget and Control Board will have final approval.
The plan calls for 70 percent of the capacity to be used in urban areas, with 30 percent in rural areas.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserv
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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