INTERNET FREEDOM AND BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT ACT

On February 27, 2001, the House of Representatives considered H.R. 1542, the Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act. This legislation seeks to promote the deployment of high-speed Internet or broadband services by easing the regulations on telephone companies.

I believe in encouraging competition in the telecommunication industry so that consumers can benefit with better service and lower rates. When Congress passed the Telecommunications Act in 1996, we required Bell telephone companies to prove to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that they have opened their local markets to competition before they are allowed to provide long distance broadband services. H.R. 1542 would alter this balanced agreement by allowing Bell telephone companies to provide broadband without opening their markets to competition. Since the Bell telephone companies are expected to meet the open market requirements within a year in all fifty states, I believe this provision may not be needed.

I also support efforts to develop parity in regulations between telephone companies or cable companies that offer Internet service. Currently, the FCC is working to develop regulations to create an environment in which all Internet services are regulated in the same manner, regardless of whether they are offered by a telephone or cable company. I opposed provisions in this bill that would significantly reduce or eliminate altogether the ability of state regulatory commissions to protect consumers and ensure continued competition.

Lastly, this bill changes the rates competitors must pay to lease broadband network components from Bell and other incumbent phone companies. I believe phone companies should be appropriately compensated for investing in the infrastructure required to provide broadband services. Since the Supreme Court is preparing to rule on the fairness of the rate competitors pay for leasing broadband network components, the changes proposed by this bill would be premature. It is my hope that the ruling will help clarify this issue and legislation will be unnecessary.

I will continue to support policies that promote the deployment of broadband services to every household, but not at the expense of consumer protection and competition.

I opposed this legislation, which passed by a vote of 273 to 157.