Could the broadband stimulus package be a coup for wireless broadband?

[Commentary] The $825 billion economic stimulus proposal from the incoming Obama administration and House Democrats contains $6 billion for improving the U.S. broadband infrastructure, and the wireless industry is cheering because it was included. A summary of the proposed spending plan released by House Democrats calls for the money to be used for "broadband and wireless grants in under-served areas to strengthen the economy and provide business and job opportunities in every section of America, with benefits to e-commerce, education, and health care. For every dollar invested in broadband, the economy sees a ten-fold return on that investment." The plan seems to be vague on the particulars, but Obama transition team member Blair Levin, speaking at the Congressional Internet Caucus' State of the Net 2009 conference, said any monies that came from the economic stimulus package likely would use "existing structures" and programs to get money pumped into the economy as soon as possible. A more comprehensive broadband policy, it appears, has yet to be determined as the Obama administration is considering a host of possibilities.