SUPPORTING ``BROADBAND'' NETWORKS -- HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.
(Extensions of Remarks - October 14, 1999)
[Page: E2104]
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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should remove outdated regulations and encourage investment and competition by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.
END