Broadband gets a boost in recovery package
The huge economic recovery bill likely to emerge from Congress in the next two weeks will give a boost to high-speed broadband deployment around the nation long a goal of technology and telecom companies. The bill passed by the House last week includes $6 billion in grants for broadband and wireless services in underserved areas, and the Senate will take up a similar recovery plan this week that includes $9 billion.
Tech leaders say the pitch for stimulus money for broadband has become easier to make, and it enjoys the strong support of the Obama administration. Several studies show spending on broadband means a short-term increase in jobs, and better high-speed access pays long-term economic benefits. From the health care industry to the home office, few businesses can be competitive today without a high-speed, always-on connection to the Internet.
Comments are closed.