Tax credit for broadband infrastructure legislation introduced | Telecompetitor

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson has introduced the Connecting America Act of 2009 to help boost broadband in unserved and underserved markets. Unlike the current grant and loan program underway through the broadband stimulus program, Hutchinson’s approach uses tax credits for companies investing in broadband infrastructure.

In what could be construed as a repudiation of the current stimulus program approach, Hutchinson says broadband development requires a “…a comprehensive approach that encourages private sector investment in our unserved areas and reform of existing federal programs to make sure we are spending scarce public resources in the most effective way.” The bill also allows communities to raise funding for “technology neutral” community broadband projects through bond issuance...