The mapping information is needed in order for us, as a nation, to assess, triage and prioritize investments into expanding broadband access.

But it's puzzling that we need to go through such a large-scale mapping exercise. A lot of the data probably already exists in some form or another. If carriers are uncooperative, the old maxim of sticks and carrots works - if carriers want to be eligible for help in expanding their networks, they have to cooperate and help supply the data in return.

Beyond broadband, however, our policymakers need to be thinking in terms of all of the nation's other infrastructure needs, and how we can similarly develop and use geospatial data, tools and analysis for informed decisionmaking, for assessment, triage, planning and so on- so that we can make sure that investments made provide maximal, sustainable, societal benefit - they should be taking a similar approach not just with broadband, but with roads, bridges, mass transit, power, cellular networks, water quality and pollution, potable water and wastewater, solid waste, fire protection, education and all of the other elements of infrastructure needed for the populace - and again, much of the data already exists, but in many instances exists in protected stovepipes that need to be opened. The Stimulus bill is the carrot - but let's not just give away the store without having the tools for informed decisionmaking, and when we DO invest, let's make sure we also get all the data moving forward in return.