Feds say up to 10 percent in US lack good Internet

WASHINGTON (AP) — Five percent to 10 percent of Americans can't get Internet access at speeds needed for common tasks such as viewing photos, video and Web pages.

That's the conclusion from the Commerce Department as it unveils a detailed interactive map showing what types of high-speed Internet connections are available — or missing — in every last corner of the country.

The map being made available today is one of the requirements of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill that became law in February 2009.

Government officials hope the map will help guide policymakers, researchers, public interest groups and telecommunications companies as they seek to extend Internet access to even the most remote reaches of the U.S.

Consumers could use it to find out what broadband options are available where they live.