Members of the Digital Policy Institute at Ball State University have authored an economic stimulus plan which was delivered to Congress on Jan. 5.
The plan will provide small, rural markets that are traditionally underserved with 5.9 million wireless broadband access lines.
If passed, the initiative would provide 200,000 jobs across the nation by as early as March 2009, only 45 days after enactment of the legislation.
Ball State Director of Center for Business and Economic Research Michael Hicks, economics professor Cecil Bohanon, director of applied research institute Robert Yadon and telecommunications professor Barry Umansky authored the initiative.
The proposed Rural Broadband Initiative was inspired by President-elect Barack Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which focuses on stimulating immediate job creation.
Hicks worked as a creator of the plan and said he believes the Rural Broadband Initiative will fulfill this need.
"This plan provides the country with the single fastest stimulus plan through telecommunications...," Hicks said. "This exemplifies the interdisciplinary work put forth by the Digital Policy Institute."
Hicks said this initiative sets itself apart from other proposed plans because it focuses on long-term infrastructure spending instead of immediate tax relief.
The Ball State team is backed by The Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies, which Yadon said was in favor of the initiative because their members would benefit from it.
Yadon is confident about the jobs this plan will potentially create.
If the plan is implemented the demand for fiber optics and electronic hardware would increase immediately and boost manufacturing jobs, he said. In a domino effect, construction positions will be needed to install broadband networks and installation specialists will be in higher demand to launch and maintain the systems, he said.
The Rural Broadband Initiative would cost an estimated $28 million dollars, or 3.5 percent of the proposed stimulus expenditure in Obama's plan. Despite the cost, Yadon said he is optimistic about the proposal delivered to Congress.
Yadon said he hopes Ball State will be recognized as an innovative leader as a result of this proposed policy. Ball State doesn't get the funds from the plan, but we do get the recognition, he added.
Rep. Mike Pence's office did not return phone calls regarding the initiative.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
