[RTC List] broadband stimulus

[Tina Nerat]

Check out http://www.freepress.net/node/46686. See below. Tina

Free Press Releases Broadband Stimulus Proposals
New Report Details Broadband Policies to Turn Around the Economy 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 17, 2008 
Contact: Jen Howard, Free Press, (202) 265-1490 x22 or (703) 517-6273 
WASHINGTON -- Today, Free Press released Down Payment on Our Digital Future:
Stimulus Policies for the 21st-Century Economy, a comprehensive set of
proposals that would deploy a forward-looking national broadband
infrastructure.

With strict benchmarks and clear accountability, these policies would target
stimulus funds toward building next-generation broadband networks,
connecting unserved and underserved areas, supporting affordable Internet
connections, providing computers and technology training for low-income
users, and promoting Internet access for children at school and at home.

"Investing in the information superhighway is a concrete way for
President-elect Barack Obama and Congress to kick start the economy and
secure long-term prosperity," said S. Derek Turner, research director of
Free Press and author of the report. "But since future generations will be
footing the bill for this stimulus package, Congress must ensure that these
funds deliver the next-generation networks this country needs. There should
be no blank checks."

The policies detailed in the new report would allocate $44 billion over the
next three years, immediately producing tens of thousands of new
technology-sector jobs and generating hundreds of billions of dollars in
economic activity. The proposed tax incentives and grant programs are
designed to trigger new investments, not to fund projects previously planned
by incumbent telecommunications companies. 

The United States currently ranks 22nd in the world in broadband adoption,
with more than 40 percent of all U.S. homes not connected to broadband. Lack
of meaningful competition has taken away the incentive for network operators
to make substantial upgrades or build out to all communities, leaving
Americans with connections that are too slow and expensive. 

Free Press' broadband proposals address the problems of broadband
availability and adoption, while also providing substantial immediate and
future economic benefits. These proposals also stipulate that all networks
constructed with or supported by broadband stimulus funding must be open,
freely competitive platforms for ideas and commerce.

The proposals contained in this report would create programs to:
. Produce next-generation networks capable of delivering speeds of 100
Megabits per second through tax incentives that stimulate private
investment. 
. Spur competition by awarding higher tax incentives to companies that
deploy world-class, fiber-optic networks that are open to multiple
competitors. 
. Fund the construction of next-generation broadband and wireless networks
in rural and unserved areas. 
. Help low-income Americans get connected by using stimulus funds to extend
universal service programs to support broadband. 
. Modernize the e-Rate program to connect children at home by supplying them
with computers and lowering the monthly cost of Internet access. 
. Bring health care and public services into the digital age and provide
technology training to senior citizens and families with children. 

"Broadband is the great equalizer," Turner said. "It has more potential than
any other technology in history to raise the standard of living for all
Americans. Building this world-class broadband network is a down payment on
that digital future."

Read executive summary:
http://www.freepress.net/files/DownPayment_DigitalFuture_summary.pdf
Read full report:
http://www.freepress.net/files/DownPayment_DigitalFuture.pdf