Ballmer writes Congress in support of stimulus package

The public printing of the latest version of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (commonly known as the "stimulus bill"), breaks down a $7 billion allotment for investment in the US' broadband infrastructure:

For an amount for `Broadband Technology Opportunities Program', $7,000,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2010: Provided, That of the funds provided under this heading, $6,650,000,000 shall be expended pursuant to section 201 of this Act, of which: not less than $200,000,000 shall be available for competitive grants for expanding public computer center capacity, including at community colleges and public libraries; not less than $250,000,000 shall be available for competitive grants for innovative programs to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service; and $10,000,000 shall be transferred to `Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General' for the purposes of audits and oversight of funds provided under this heading and such funds shall remain available until expended.

Of the remainder, half shall go to build out broadband access to rural areas, and $350 million will be spent on the creation of something called a "broadband inventory map," most likely to keep a live tally on the nation's broadband capacity.

In an open letter to Congress members published yesterday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer expressed his support for the stimulus plan, and specifically for this provision, while at the same time taking a small opportunity to show up the government on its numbers:

It is critical for the US government to make this long-term commitment to research and development (R&D), and to encourage private sector R&D that will propel our economy forward. This year alone, despite the tough economy, Microsoft will invest over $9 billion in R&D to help grow our business for the future, drive innovation across the industry, and help keep the US at the forefront of emerging technologies.

The conference agreement includes critical government investment in our nation's science and technology infrastructure. These investments will help extend the reach of broadband access to many communities and improve access for many citizens. The conference agreement also provides incentives to create jobs in green technology, alternative energy, bioengineering, and advanced computing and technological solutions that will help us address some of our most pressing challenges.