Keep the Sock Puppets Out of Your Stimulus

[Commentary] In a recent commentary, Robert Atkinson of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation attacks Free Press for trying to advance our nefarious "agenda of getting open networks and even more broadband competition." His group published its own $30 billion broadband stimulus plan, which he touts as more "pragmatic" and "shovel-ready" than the alternatives. On the surface, his proposal seems somewhat similar to the Free Press plan, using tax credits and incentives to bolster broadband supply, especially in rural and other underserved areas. But a closer examination shows Atkinson suspiciously avoiding any proposals that might actually bring some needed competition into the broadband market. He has criticized our proposed $10 billion "Bonds for Broadband" program, claiming there are few companies that would take advantage of it and it would take too long to spur investment. But an independent study released yesterday by the Fiber to the Home Council estimated that such a program would result in substantial investments in 2009, creating nearly 200,000 new jobs this year alone.