U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday will consider a plan to give tax credits for Internet and wireless companies, reports Reuters.
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 and Comcast could apply for the credits, as could wireless companies like Sprint and T-Mobile.
Telecommunications companies have been pushing for tax credits, rather than grant money, the route the House of Representatives has taken thus far.
The House committees approved $6 billion in grants to fuel telecom and Internet investment. A Senate version would give about $9 billion in grants.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she would like to see a final bill passed by Congress and sent to incoming president Barack Obama for signing by mid-February.
