Byron Dorgan: “Today the Senate begins consideration of comprehensive telecommunications legislation, S. 652, the Telecommunications…”

“Today the Senate begins consideration of comprehensive telecommunications legislation, S. 652, the Telecommunications Competition and Deregulation Act of 1995. This legislation has been incubating in the Congress for a number of years and throughout the past few years, the Senate has appeared to be on the brink of passing this landmark legislation that would reform which is arguably the most dynamic and fast growing industry in our economy-- telecommunications. The underlying agenda of this legislation is to promote competition in all areas of telecommunications. We already have a competitive long distance industry and there is some competition in cellular service throughout the country. Clearly, telecommunications competition has had a positive impact. Since the AT&T breakup in 1982, competition in the long distance industry has lead a reduction in long distance prices and it has spawned the deployment of four nationwide fiber optic networks-- the backbone of the information superhighway. This legislation attempts to promote competition in other areas of telecommunications, such as in the local exchange and in cable. As a general proposition, I support this notion of promoting competition. I think competition will lead to lower prices and greater availability of telecommunications services. However, Congress must proceed in caution as we break down barriers and ease regulation.”