The telecommunications industry in Tennessee and the Southeast has been hard hit by competition. Last October, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported that BellSouth unfortunately started a program to cut about $1 billion in general and administrative expenses by streamlining the way it does business. The company also cut about 2,100 jobs to reduce overlapping administrative, legal and finance positions. In the light of the shrinking demand for basic telephone services, BellSouth said this move was the only option for them to cut costs.

I will continue working hard to make sure we keep high paying jobs at home and I will use the input I receive from the folks of the Third District to advocate for the telecommunications industry.