Intel spent $1M on lobbying in 4Q; broadband Internet a focus

Intel spent $1M on lobbying in 4Q

WASHINGTON — Intel Corp. spent $1.0 million on lobbying in the last three months of 2009, nearly double the amount the computer chip maker spent in the same period the year before.

Intel’s spending ramped up as high-speed Internet deployment has become a bigger issue for politicians and technology companies.

The issue of broadband Internet rollouts appears to have played prominently in Intel’s lobbying in the fourth quarter, according to its latest disclosure form filed with the House clerk’s office. The company, based in Santa Clara, Calif., lobbied the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce and the Federal Communications Commission on the issue.

Intel benefits from more Internet connections around the world because people will buy more computers that use Intel chips to get online.

Intel also lobbied Congress on immigration reform — technology companies often lobby for regulations that make it easier to hire talented foreign workers in the U.S. — and the Department of Commerce, the Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection on issues involving import and export controls.

Intel is restricted on where it can make its most advanced computer chips because of U.S. government concerns about possible military uses for advanced technology by other countries.

In the fourth quarter of 2009, Intel earned $2.3 billion on $10.6 billion in revenue. Intel is the world’s No. 1 maker of computer microprocessors, which are the “brains” of personal computers.

Intel spent $590,000 on lobbying in the fourth quarter of 2008.