Questions remain about the details and viability of the FCC's national broadband plan, which will be presented to Congress March 17. However, one thing appears clear: It's going to carry a hefty price tag. According to the Wall Street Journal, the plan will propose up to $25 billion in new federal spending to expand broadband access, including $12 billion to $16 billion for a nationwide, interoperable, wireless broadband network for first responders. And even before its release, the plan is coming under fire for being too large and costly, and something that members of Congress are unlikely to take up in an election year. Article (sub. req.), article.