FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 1999
CONTACT: Kim Osweiler
(202) 326-7360

USTA Commends Tauzin - Dingell Internet Bill:
Free the Telcos to Keep the Internet Regulation Free

Background: Today, House Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.) and Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced the Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 1999. This legislation eliminates many of the regulations facing local phone companies, provides incentives for local phone companies to invest in broadband technology, and calls for the lifting of regulations on Internet Services, Internet access and high speed data services.

The following statement may be attributed to Roy Neel, president and CEO for the United States Telephone Association (USTA).

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "We applaud the efforts of Subcommittee Chairman Tauzin, Rep. Dingell and their original cosponsors for encouraging investment in broadband technologies. USTA member companies are eager to deploy Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology so that American households and businesses can receive better, faster and more robust access to the Internet. It is encouraging to see Members of Congress demonstrating leadership against regulating Internet and data services.

"While local phone companies are saddled with unnecessary and onerous regulations that stifle investment, AT&T is subject to little -- if any -- regulation. Consumers will win only when the regulatory playing field is level and all providers can deploy advanced services.

"This legislation is also important because, unlike AT&T and other cable providers, America's local phone companies are willing to allow any Internet service provider the ability to offer service on their broadband networks. The Tauzin - Dingell bill states that the Federal Communications Commission has impeded delivery of high speed Internet access and services to the public, thereby reducing consumer choice and welfare. This bill attempts to improve delivery of the Internet services to the public.

"USTA looks forward to working with Chairman Tauzin and Rep. Dingell who share our commitment to bringing the information superhighway to customers across America."

For more than 100 years, USTA has been representing the interests of the small, mid-size and large companies of the nation's local exchange carrier industry. The association represents more than 1,200 companies worldwide that provide local exchange, long distance, wireless, Internet, and cable services.

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