Free Newsletter
T-Mobile weighs in on possible broadband stimulus incentives
Free newsletter via e-mail
Tools
T-Mobile has publicly weighed in on any possible stimulus incentives Congress may enact when it comes to accelerating broadband deployments. In a letter to congressional bipartisan leaders, the operator, which indicated the U.S. economy is having an impact on the its buildout plans for advanced services, outlined steps lawmakers can take to help wireless broadband operators create new jobs. The steps include:
- Tax credits that can offset the alternative minimum tax and by allowing for a current year refund of unused tax credits.
- Properly designed direct grants and other economic incentives. T-Mobile warns that any open-access provisions should be separately addressed from the grant program or any stimulus package component because it is so complex and could deter operator interest.
- Ensuring that any broadband speed requirements don't exclude mobility services.
- Establish a "shot clock" that puts a reasonable time limit on state and local zoning approval for the construction of cell towers. T-Mobile believes that time limit should be 75 days.
- Authorize broadband infrastructure bonds that entitle purchasers to a tax credit, so that providers can issue bonds without having to pay interest.
- Provide funding to defray the costs of backhaul facilities as the high cost of backhaul is a disincentive to building wireless networks in rural areas.
- Encourage demand for broadband in rural and low-income areas by reforming the existing low-income subsidy programs administered by the Federal Communications Commission to include broadband.
"T-Mobile believes that, with the appropriate economic stimulus, it would be able to significantly accelerate and broaden the geographic scope of its rollout of advanced wireless services--leading directly to the creation of jobs associated with building the network to provide these services," the operator said.
Related articles:
Broadband stimulus package no blank check
Blair Levin illuminates Obama broadband policy, TIGR
How does Obama's broadband New Deal come to fruition?
Lobbyists begin plans for Obama's broadband improvement desire
More predictions for Obama broadband, telecommunications policies
Comments
Posted by Rory Conaway | February 5, 2009 - 3:00pm
I like how the big vendors are lining up to get the federal money to ensure their high-priced monopoly. In many areas, there are only 1-2 vendors and wireless is the one area, albeit difficult, that smaller vendors could compete. However, after the FCC tied the rules up in 2.4GHz, then raffled of the 700MHz bands to guess who, the biggest vendors, they now want to give them more money to monopolize the wireless arena.
Let's see how well they are doing so far. $60 per month for what used to by unilimited server which is now 5GB per month. Per MB fees for anything less than that. If you live in an area with only 1 carrier or more rural, you could be paying through cable or DSL as much as $60 a month plus taxes. Cox just raised their rates again in Phoenix.
I don't expect anything less from a federal government that gives away $350 billion dollars to banks with multi-millionaire CEO's to watch it disappear into a black hole. The politicians behind this are funded by the same people they are going to give the money to. I know Verizon and T-Mobile really need the money since they aren't big enough already.
The federal government knows that small business employs 80% of the people in this country. However, our senators and congressmen will steal the money from small business in the form of unfair taxes and then just give it to whatever big corporation lines their pockets. I can't figure out how Dodd, Franks, and anyone from the FCC can look in the mirror and not feel shame and guilt for being outright crooks and tools for these corporations. As far as I'm concerned, quit stealing my money by lowering taxes, give back this stimulus idea in the form of tax breaks for small busines, and then get the heck out of the way so we can compete fairly without you stuffing their pockets.
Posted by Anonymous | August 30, 2009 - 8:38pm
I was paying 62.00 for tmobile broadband and when I told them I no longer wanted the service I got a 637.00bill they say I went over 5000 megabytes in 2 weeks when other months Inever went over in a 4 week period tmobile is taking advantage and I plan to write the attorney genteral and the whitehouse regarding these shady tactics. Please be aware and let BBB know and Attorney general about any unauthorized charges and bills they come up with.
Posted by Anonymous | August 30, 2009 - 8:41pm
They did also to me, when I cancelled even though I signed up for unlimited service I got a huge bill saying I used to much internet. Isn't unlimited unlimited? I am trying to sue with a lawyer and will now go to the Attorney General also. I pray they do not get a stimulas package they are taking consumers money.
Comments (3) | Post a comment