CSE Applauds Court Decision on Telecommunications Policy

Today, the United State Court of Appeals released a sternly worded decision directing the Federal Communications Commission to abandon policies that have hampered investments in critical telecommunications infrastructure and technological innovation.

CSE president Paul Beckner noted, “This is good news for consumers who stand to benefit from the vast array of new high-tech products and services that have been on hold due to the uncertainty and regulatory mandates hanging over the telecommunications sector.”

The court’s decision paves the way for a more competitive market, making it easier for providers to adopt newer technologies such as high-speed broadband connections that can provide consumers with far more services that simple voice communications. Despite the potential offered by broadband, regulatory uncertainties have made deployment difficult. The 1996 Telecommunications Act endorsed the need for broadband deployment and sought to establish a competitive telecommunications market. Yet, Federal Communications Commission regulations implementing the act have hindered rather than facilitated competition. The Court of Appeals decision directly addresses this problem and seeks to foster a more competitive marketplace.

“The future lies with broadband technologies that can move vast amounts of information for households and businesses. Yet, the United States has fallen behind in the deployment of these technologies, with countries such as Japan and South Korea leading the way. Today’s ruling will allow the United States to make up lost ground and bring American consumers the benefits of high-speed communications networks,” said Paul Beckner.

It is important that regulatory policies do not impede progress in this important sector of our economy. New technologies and faster networks have the potential to bring consumers important new products and services. Building and deploying a network that provides consumers high speed access to the Internet not only brings the next generation of technology to homes across the nation, but it also generates employment opportunities while facilitating economic growth. The Court’s call for sensible telecommunications policies that promote free and open competition is a welcome antidote to the regulatory gridlock that has dominated the market since Congress first called for competitive markets in 1996.