IBM, Hughes to provide broadband to rural e-gov

IBM Corp. is adding satellite connectivity from Hughes Network Systems Inc. to bring broadband capability to an existing program that rural governments can use to operate their own Web sites, the company announced April 30.

IBM of Armonk, N.Y., chose Hughes Network Systems of Germantown, Md., to provide its proprietary Direcway broadband satellite connectivity to IBM's "Totally Web Government" program.

The satellite service makes Internet access possible for rural and remote areas of the country that lack either DSL or cable modem Internet connections.

Through the Totally Web Government program, which is targeted for communities of less than 50,000, municipalities can use a template to build a low-cost Web site that enables citizens to go online and find out about community events, pay a utility bill or send e-mail to municipal officials.

To date, 65 municipalities in nine states have signed up with the program, which is affiliated with the National League of Cities and the National Association of Counties, both of Washington, IBM said.

The nine states where IBM currently has contracts for the program are Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington, said company officials.

Under IBM's Totally Web Government program, the new broadband satellite services from Hughes Network Systems are available for a subscription cost of $1,240 for Direcway Business Edition used by most municipalities and a monthly service fee of $99.