While the U.S. House and Senate aren't propping up the industry, both bodies are talking about providing billions of dollars in grant money to ensure that rural areas are served, both in wireless and in broadband Internet.
U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday will consider a plan to give tax credits for Internet and wireless companies, such as AT&T Inc and Sprint Nextel Corp, as part of a broad stimulus package to boost the ailing economy.
The proposal would provide a 10 percent tax credit to companies that build out high-speed Internet in rural and underserved areas, and 20 percent for those willing to exceed current speeds.
Sen. John Rockefeller, a senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, will offer the amendment to the $825 billion economic package the panel debates on Tuesday.
Internet service providers like AT&T, Verizon Communications and Comcast Corp could apply for the credits, as could wireless companies like Sprint and Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile.
Telecommunications companies have been pushing for tax credits, rather than grant money, the route the House of Representatives has taken thus far.
House committees approved $6 billion in grants to providers and others to fuel telecom and Internet investment. A Senate version would give about $9 billion in grants.
U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday will consider a plan to give tax credits for Internet and wireless companies, such as AT&T Inc and Sprint Nextel Corp, as part of a broad stimulus package to boost the ailing economy.
The proposal would provide a 10 percent tax credit to companies that build out high-speed Internet in rural and underserved areas, and 20 percent for those willing to exceed current speeds.
Sen. John Rockefeller, a senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, will offer the amendment to the $825 billion economic package the panel debates on Tuesday.
Internet service providers like AT&T, Verizon Communications and Comcast Corp could apply for the credits, as could wireless companies like Sprint and Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile.
Telecommunications companies have been pushing for tax credits, rather than grant money, the route the House of Representatives has taken thus far.
House committees approved $6 billion in grants to providers and others to fuel telecom and Internet investment. A Senate version would give about $9 billion in grants.
