Broadband Stimulus Notes

Highway building projects would have to include broadband conduits, under a bill introduced Thursday by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif. By requiring upfront inclusion of broadband infrastructure in highway projects, the bill would create long-term savings, sponsors said. “According to industry experts, more than half of the cost of new broadband deployment is attributable to the expense of tearing up and repaving roads,” Eshoo said. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., is working on similar legislation. Eshoo’s bill would apply to all new road projects funded by federal surface transportation legislation, which is due to be reauthorized this year. The bill would require the Transportation Department to work with the FCC to determine levels of existing service and potential demand for broadband in a particular area. Eshoo’s bill was co-sponsored by House Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman of California, Communications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher of Virginia and Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass. ----