All,
I thought this word be of interest to the group.
Regards,
Dawn DiPietro
Smith pitches 'Broadband for America Act'
Says bill would promote affordable rural networks
Posted: 7:36 AM, Apr. 25, 2006
Last Updated: 7:45 AM, Apr. 25, 2006
By KTVZ.com news sources
WASHINGTON - Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., addressed the National
Telecommunications Cooperative Association's Legislative and Policy
Conference on Tuesday and outlined his Broadband for America Act of
2006. The proposal is a ‘disciplined' and ‘directed' piece of
legislation that the Senate can swiftly pass to promote the construction
of new broadband networks in rural America.
"To succeed in a global marketplace American firms need access to
affordable broadband networks," Smith said. "Leaving outdated laws on
the books stalls job creation and inhibits the introduction of wireless
technology that can be utilized in parts of America today's technology
will never reach. Today's laws choke job creation with regulation and
hold back innovation that proves time and time again to improve
consumer's options."
Senator Smith's legislation promotes the construction of broadband
infrastructure by addressing the following critical issues:
--Burdensome Video Regulations: Will allow wireline video providers to
compete on equal footing by freeing them of unnecessary federal, state,
and local regulations that have inhibited their entrance into the
market. The legislation maintains local authority over rights of way and
local programming requirements.
--Universal Service Reform: Creates a new account to invest $500 million
a year in broadband infrastructure for areas private investment are
reluctant to reach. Expands USF contributors to include any company
capable of supporting 2-way voice communication. Low volume users and
low income households would be exempted.
--Permanently Exempt USF Fund: Permanently exempts the Universal Service
Fund from the Anti-Deficiency Act, allowing programs like the E-rate to
continue.
--Municipal Broadband: Allows municipalities to band together and offer
affordable broadband service in areas where private companies cannot or
will not provide service.
--Wireless Broadband and White Spaces: Instructs the FCC to issue final
rules within six months allocating white spaces on an unlicensed basis
along with technical guidelines that prevent radio interference. Final
rules will break way for low-cost broadband service, especially in rural
areas too expensive to serve by wire.
Smith noted, "The Broadband for America Act is a targeted legislative
package that draws on the best thinking of Senators Rockefeller, Dorgan
Allen, Snowe, Lautenberg, McCain and myself. The bill combines my Video
Choice Act and Universal Service for the 21st Century Act with Senator
Allen's Wireless Innovation Act, Senator Snowe's Anti-Deficiency Act
bill and Senator Lautenberg and McCain's Community Broadband Act."
http://www.ktvz.com/story.cfm?nav=oregon&storyID=9996
---
---
--
WISPA Wireless List: [email protected]
Subscribe/Unsubscribe:
http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
