US wireless group opposes net openness in stimulus

A group representing US wireless companies is seeking changes to $6 billion in grants aimed at promoting expanded Internet and wireless services as part of an economic stimulus bill proposed by Democrats. The CTIA industry group said a requirement that providers who get grant money abide by so-called "open access" principles will impede investment in wireless and Internet access for the rural and hard-to-serve areas targeted by the measure. "The utility of the program will be compromised if carriers are hesitant to participate because of uncertainty about the vague, undefined and unnecessary 'open access' obligation," CTIA President Steve Largent said in a letter to Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) chairman of the House Commerce Committee, and ranking Republican Rep. Joe Barton of Texas. The committee will hold a hearing today on parts of the $825 billion stimulus proposal.