MEASURE WILL PROMOTE MORE CHOICES AND LOWER RATES

Washington, Jun 8, 2006 - "Our nation thrives on competition and open markets," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "This is especially true in telecommunications, and this bill will provide American consumers more choices as private Internet and cable TV providers compete for their business. This bill will promote these choices and spur competition by eliminating unnecessary red tape and outdated regulations."

The House has approved H.R. 5252, the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act. This measure will -

* Create a national approval process, known as a "franchise," for telephone carriers and cable providers that offer subscription television. By streamlining this system, more competitors will offer services that are similar to cable TV. The likely result will be lower prices and more choices for consumers.
* Require cable and telephone companies to offer broadband services without requiring consumers take telephone, television or other services the provider offers.
* Establish penalties of up to $500,000 for broadband providers that block lawful content.
* The Federal Communications Commission would have, for the first time, explicit power to go after companies that violate network neutrality principles.
* Require Internet-based telephone services to offer 9-1-1 capabilities while ensuring Internet telephone providers have access to all necessary 9-1-1 infrastructure and technology. This will help ensure that VoIP service can be a safe and effective competitor to standard telephone service.
* Allow localities to retain control of their rights-of-way and ensure local jurisdictions still receive the franchise fees they collected under the current system. Additionally, the FCC will be authorized to step in if a locality tries to unfairly use its rights-of-way authority to block new competitors from entering the local market.
* Allow cities and towns to develop their own broadband networks.
* Require broadband operators take additional steps to ensure their networks aren't used to transmit child pornography.