[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CABLE'S HIGH SPEED EDUCATION CONNECTION

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                            HON. JACK FIELDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 1996

  Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the cable 
television industry for its recently announced plan to provide 
America's elementary and secondary schools with high-speed Internet 
access via cable modems. Under this innovative educational plan--
``Cable's High Speed Education Connection''--local cable companies will 
provide the equipment necessary to connect schools located in their 
service areas to the Internet free of charge.
  There is universal agreement that the Internet is an increasingly 
important information resource--one that can contribute significantly 
to the overall educational process. As a result of rapid technological 
advances, we are witnessing an information explosion--and much of that 
information is located on, and available from, the Internet.
  By undertaking this initiative, the cable television industry is 
assuming a leading role in making the information on the Internet 
available to millions of young Americans. I applaud the cable 
television for devising this plan that will put more and more young 
Americans online, and that will provide them with access to this 
important information resource.
  We all recognize that our children are our country's future. That is 
why I hope that this important program will encourage other industries 
to do what the cable television industry has already done with its 
``Cable's High Speed Education Connection'' Program--that is, to 
contribute their expertise and a portion of their earnings to the goal 
of improving the quality of education our children receive.
  Once again, I want to applaud the cable television industry for its 
efforts to assist our schools, which will improve the quality of 
education our children receive, which will--in turn--help ensure the 
continued economic well-being of our country in the years ahead.

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