Will Open Access Stall Stimulus Broadband Construction?

Consumer advocates are pressuring the Commerce Department to make open network access a condition attached to disbursement of economic stimulus appropriations for construction of expanded of broadband networks. Wireless carriers say requiring them to permit all carriers use of their newly built towers will be counterproductive to universal service by slowing investment in construction of new networks. The Commerce Department is weighing the opposing arguments as it formulates the details of spending this $7 billion appropriation.