[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SPEAKING OUT FOR FAIRNESS IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concerns about 
the ongoing delay in the release of telecommunications competition 
rules. It has been three months since the Federal Communications 
Commission issued their ruling on the regulation of broadband 
technology, and we are still waiting for the rules of competition 
determined by that ruling to be released.
  This delay leaves local phone companies and internet service 
providers without the information they need to make good business 
decisions. Without knowing the rules under which they must operate, 
they cannot make determinations about how and where to invest in 
research and development of new services and new technologies. However, 
the ultimate losers in this situation are American families and 
businesses who want and need reliable broadband service.
  The telecommunications industry is the backbone of our nation's 
economy. Not only are hundreds of thousands of America's workers 
employed in telecommunications, but the services that these companies 
provide are vital to every business in the United States. Without the 
ability to quickly and accurately move data, commerce is threatened, 
and our position in the global marketplace is weakened.
  I urge the FCC to act immediately to release the rules for 
competition. Without these rules, the telecommunications industry 
cannot move forward with development of the broadband infrastructure 
that will keep our economy and our nation on the path to recovery and 
growth.




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