$100M-plus broadband map runs into cost questions

WASHINGTON (AP) — The national stimulus package passed by Congress in February may have been too enthusiastic about spending money on one particular project: figuring out where broadband Internet access is available and how fast it is.

The $787 billion stimulus bill championed by the Obama administration set aside up to $350 million to create a national broadband map that could guide policies aimed at expanding high-speed Internet access. That $350 million tag struck some people in the telecommunications industry as excessive, compared with existing, smaller efforts. The map won’t even be done in time to help decide where to spend much of the $7.2 billion in stimulus money earmarked for broadband programs.

Now, it appears the final cost won’t be as high as $350 million — though just how much it will be is unclear.

To ensure the mapping money is used “in a fiscally prudent manner,” the National Telecommunications and Information Administration signaled Wednesday it would initially spend more than $100 million, and then reassess the program.

Rory Altman, director at telecommunications consulting firm Altman Vilandrie & Co., which has helped clients map broadband availability in some areas, said $350 million was a “ridiculous” amount of money to spend on a national broadband map.

Even $100 million might be high. The firm could create a national broadband map for $3.5 million, and “would gladly do it for $35 million,” Altman said.

The map should reveal what most individuals already know: whether their homes can get broadband, and how fast it is. Officially, the goal for the map is to help shape broadband policy and determine where best to invest government funds. It also may help consumers shopping for Internet service.

However, the map won’t be ready in time to influence the first round of broadband grants and loans funded by the stimulus package.