Make Sat Broadband Incentives Part of Economic Plan

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In a letter sent to Capitol Hill last week, the Satellite Industry Association urged Congress to include satellite-delivered broadband deployment incentives and grants as part of any economic stimulus bill.

In the letter, sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), SIA said any satellite-based broadband incentives could create jobs and boost productivity. The technology incentives also could address key economic concerns including healthcare, public safety and education, the association said.

SIA's comments came after calls from the communications industry urging Congress and the new administration to keep broadband at the forefront of any economic stimulus package.

"Without satellite systems, this nation will simply not reach universal access to broadband services," said SIA President Patricia Cooper.

SIA proposed focusing any incentives on end-user equipment and installation costs, an effort that could spur broadband adoption among more than 10 million consumers who are considered unserved or underserved by broadband.

"With the end-user at the center of incentives, satellite broadband networks can begin to boost economic development and employment, particularly by offering broadband services to millions of additional Americans that have been bypassed today," Cooper said.