ROUND TABLE April 2006

… On the various aspects that should be considered in a rewrite of the Telecommunications Act of 1996…

We need to move away from the franchising concept and let communities encourage video competition.
Jim DeMint, Republican senator from South Carolina, at NARUC, regarding his bill, the Digital Communications Act of 2005

The states need to be greatly involved. Who knows better how to manage rights of way than local government?
Ted Stevens, Republican senator from Alaska and chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, during a keynote speech to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)

We need to transition to an IP world of carrier agreements. … Intercarrier compensation decisions should be made by companies, not government.
Tom Tauke, executive vice president of public affairs, policy and communications for Verizon Communications Inc., at NARUC

I propose to make broadband eligible for Universal Service Fund expenditure. Our economic future depends on us doing far better than [16th in the world].
Rick Boucher, Democratic representative from Virginia, and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, at NARUC