[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTERNET FREEDOM AND BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2002

       The House in committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1542) to 
     deregulate the Internet and high speed data services, and for 
     other purposes:

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1542, the 
Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 2001. This important 
and timely legislation will expedite the roll-out of high-speed 
Internet access across our nation, foster competition, and bridge the 
digital divide that separates neighbors, communities, and regions from 
the benefits of the information age.
  Opponents of this bill argue that it will unfairly favor certain 
technologies within the broadband industry. On the contrary, H.R. 1542 
is designed to eliminate the unfair conditions which currently exist 
within the industry by offering consumers an expanded and guaranteed 
alternative to cable and satellite-based broadband technology. This 
legislation simply creates a level playing field for the different 
enterprises which comprise the broadband industry to freely and 
competitively offer their technologies to the American people.
  Moreover, opponents wrongly assert that by eliminating the 
prohibitive regulations that currently stifle roll-out of DSL broadband 
technology, this legislation will destroy local service providers who 
enjoy reduced rates and access to existing technology as set forth in 
the 1996 Telecommunications Act. On the contrary, H.R. 1542 does not 
prevent local exchange carriers from accessing any existing or future 
customer using the telephone network. However, to ensure local 
competitors are fairly and adequately protected from the change in the 
1996 law, I fully support the Buyer-Towns Amendment. This amendment 
further protects the local competitor by guaranteeing their continued 
right to access high-speed data services over fiber lines as they 
presently do.
  It is evident that H.R. 1542 is good for America. Our future 
competitiveness in the global market depends on our access to and 
utilization of data and information systems, which begins at the 
individual level which this legislation addresses.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to vote yes for expanded access by 
voting yes to this bill.

                          ____________________