[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 19, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H10186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FASTER INTERNET SERVICE THROUGH GREATER CHOICE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 19, 1999, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 1 minute.
  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, Internet use and access is booming and 
competition among Internet service providers is finally beginning to 
offer consumers real choices. These developments make on-line 
communication easier, cheaper, and more reliable.
  Unfortunately, consumers have not yet fully realized the benefits of 
increased competition as was predicted with the passage of the 
Telecommunications Act. One way to give consumers these benefits is to 
let our local telephone companies enter into Internet competition.
  Permitting the Baby Bells to compete in Internet service will spur 
investment in technology by giving companies the incentive to upgrade 
their networks.
  Consumers will benefit by receiving faster Internet service through a 
greater choice of providers.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to consider legislation to give 
Internet consumers more access to the Internet.

                          ____________________