[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SUPPORTING ``BROADBAND'' NETWORKS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 14, 1999

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, the Telecommunications Act of 
1996 promised new investment in high-speed digital networks capable of 
sending and receiving huge amounts of data and information. These 
networks, known as ``broadband,'' are far superior to dial-up 
technology that relies on modems and conventional telephone lines. Make 
no mistake, broadband networks are a critical part of the continued 
growth of the Internet. However, the promise of the Telecommunications 
Act has not been met. Thus far, the main beneficiaries of these state-
of-the-art networks are almost exclusively downtown business centers. 
Broadband services simply aren't widely available to people and small 
businesses, like my constituents in the second district of Illinois.
  I have reviewed letters and other communications from the University 
of Illinois, Northwestern University, Western Illinois University, the 
State Board of Education, the Board of Higher Education, and the 
Illinois Department of Central Management Services as well as several 
community colleges and small businesses on this issue.
  I am convinced that we need to take definitive and immediate steps to 
deal with the digital divide. If we don't we will be a nation of 
``haves'' and ``have nots.'' That's exactly what's occurring today and 
why I hope we will advance legislation to address this problem. As a 
matter of public policy, we should remove outdated regulations and 
encourage investment and competition by local telephone companies in 
the Internet's network backbone.
  Mr. Speaker, we owe it to our constituents to keep the promise of a 
bright technological future for all Americans.

                          ____________________