Alcatel-Lucent unit spent $632,781 to lobby in 1Q

Alcatel USA Resources Inc. lobbied on legislation that would map and spur the rollout of high-speed Internet access in rural America. The company also lobbied on proposals that would allow the use of "white spaces"--the currently unused spectrum between television channels--to deliver wireless broadband connections, according to a form filed April 21 with the House clerk's office.

In addition, Alcatel lobbied on the upcoming transition from analog to digital television broadcasting, which will free up wireless spectrum that can be used to provide seamless networks to connect police officers, fire fighters and emergency healthcare workers, among other things.

Alcatel also lobbied on proposals to reform the Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes telephone service in rural and underserved communities through a surcharge on long distance bills.

Besides Congress, the company lobbied the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission and others in the first three months of the year.