Obama adviser looks at U.S.-built broadband network

Susan Crawford -- special assistant to the president for science, technology and innovation policy -- is touting the idea of spending tens of billions of dollars in public funds to build a nationwide, state-of-the-art broadband network featuring speeds 100 times faster than today's technology. She noted she's "personally intrigued" by an ambitious plan by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. His plan proposes a public-private partnership that would invest up to $33 billion over eight years to build and operate a fiber-optic broadband network reaching 90 percent of homes and workplaces. Wireless and satellite technology would be used to reach the remaining 10 percent in the outback. Proponents of Australia's program argue that the government-subsidized network promises myriad opportunities for online businesses and enhancements to energy efficiency, media distribution and public safety. A chief concern here is that a public broadband network would be costly -- upward of $430 billion. While consumers would benefit from the increased competition and lower monthly rates, they would foot the bill through tax dollars. As the Federal Communications Commission prepares a national broadband strategy to be presented to Congress by Feb. 17, there's already speculation that the agency -- at the prodding of the White House -- will give serious thought to adapting Australia's model for the United States.