Columbia, Mo. - Socket Telecom, LLC, a Missouri-based telephone and Internet service provider, today announced it has been awarded $23.7 million in federal stimulus funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $23.7 million to Socket, which is composed of a $16.6 million grant and $7.1 million loan, in an effort to deploy a fiber-to-the-home network in Callaway County.

More than 3,000 homes and businesses in rural Callaway County and Fulton, Mo will be impacted by this fiber-optic network. Subscribers will have access to telephone, video and broadband Internet access services at an affordable price.

"We are thrilled to receive federal support that will help Socket deliver broadband Internet to rural areas in mid-Missouri," said Socket's Co-owner and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Carson Coffman. "Broadband Internet is a vital component to the continued economic growth of these mid-Missouri areas and it has always been Socket's mission to offer state-of-the-art technology to rural Missouri homes and businesses. We are also grateful to the large number of local organizations, businesses and government officials who supported our effort."

Socket expects to create 65 direct area jobs related to the construction and management of the broadband network. Based on independent studies, an additional 460 indirect jobs will be created as a result of the project. Once the broadband network is deployed, it is expected to have a significant, positive impact on the area's economic development. It is also expected to provide new advances in distance learning and telemedicine.

Founded in 1994, Socket is a Missouri-based telephone and Internet service provider with the largest service coverage in the state. Socket is a privately held company that provides business and residential customers a choice for local and long-distance phone service. It combines the highest quality customer service with in-depth technical knowledge to provide customized phone service packages. Socket also offers high-speed DSL and accelerated dial-up Internet service to both business and residential clients. Socket provides service to more than 20,000 customers in more than 400 cities across Missouri. For additional information, please visit: www.socket.net.