In the past decade, the telecommunications industry has undergone sweeping changes led by technology change and industry convergence. These changes offer the promise of large consumer benefits as well as important economic benefits such as increased jobs, investment and national productivity. Other benefits include increased economic development in the states, international competitiveness and enhanced national security.

However, these benefits are contingent upon the freedom of market forces and the ability of telecommunication providers to meet the demands of consumers. Competition is best served by public policies that are technology- and industry-neutral and that favor market forces over regulatory management. Because regulations increase industry costs and are applied asymmetrically among intermodal competitors, the ability of market forces to respond fully to consumer needs is hampered. When market forces are discouraged, investment declines and competition is thwarted.

Telecommunications investment leads to economic growth and consumer benefits; discouraging growth and investment will harm consumers by reducing innovation, increasing pressures to eliminate jobs, and limiting consumer choice. I oppose any unnecessary regulation that limits consumer access to various media outlets and stifles the freedom guaranteed in the First Amendment.