WASHINGTON -- The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday approved rules for billions in government funds to spur high-speed Internet networks in unserved and underserved areas.

House Democrats have proposed $6 billion in Internet investments as part of a sweeping economic stimulus bill that the full House is expected to vote on next week.

The Internet funding portion of the stimulus bill -- a potential huge boon to phone, cable, and wireless companies -- bears the stamp of President Obama, who wants to blanket the country with high-speed connections. The $6 billion is considered a down payment on efforts Obama will make in this area over the next several years.

The Internet grants will be doled out by the Commerce Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Energy and Commerce Committee approved rules for just the Commerce Department grants, which total more than $2.8 billion. The USDA grants carry few criteria and appear to be aimed at ensuring that some type of mobile voice or basic Internet service is available even in the most remote areas.