Proposed Economic Stimulus Plan Includes $6 Billion For Broadband

The proposed stimulus plan from President-elect Barack Obama and House Democrats includes a $6 billion investment to expand broadband and wireless access in unserved and underserved areas across the country.

From the just-released text of the plan:

"Broadband to Give Every Community Access to the Global Economy Wireless and Broadband Grants: $6 billion for broadband and wireless services in underserved areas to strengthen the economy and provide business and job opportunities in every section of America with benefits to e-commerce, education, and healthcare. For every dollar invested in broadband the economy sees a ten-fold return on that investment."

Not only would broadband investment be an enormous short-term economic stimulus by providing thousands of jobs around the country, but it will immediately start moving struggling local economies into the 21st century. High-speed internet access will allow underserved and rural areas to reshape their economies by plugging in to global markets and competing with more traditionally high-technology areas.

Obama has made no secret how he feels about the importance of growing high-speed internet access, and its role in rebuilding the American economy. In a January 8th speech Obama said:

"To build an economy that can lead this future, we will begin to rebuild America…It means expanding broadband lines across America, so that a small business in a rural town can connect and compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world…"

Time will tell what happens with the stimulus plan, and we'll be watching and keeping you updated.

Summary: American Recovery and Reinvestment (House.gov)

Obama cites broadband as key to economic stimulus (Speed Matters)