Texans for Economic Progress

Comments by Robert Howden, TEP Executive Director

As new broadband services are being introduced, they are giving all Texans not only great new products, but they are also creating more and more competition in the internet and telecommunications sectors.

Consumers realize the benefits of competition as it makes their lives easier and more productive. In many areas of our state, Texans can pick broadband networks from local and national telephone, cable or satellite companies. Texans now have high-speed Internet connections of all kinds at their desktop or on their hand-held wireless devices, which can deliver the world to their fingertips. These choices now exist in Texas because of initiatives from the private business sector.

Our state has led the way in telecommunications regulation which has resulted in the removal of state and local barriers so consumers have a choice when it comes to latest products and services. Many old state regulations have been eliminated or modified which has produced true competition between one or more telecommunications companies in many parts of Texas.

Private investment in broadband in Texas over the last few years has resulted in creating more access to high-speed services and new features for consumers. This private investment towers over what the federal government will ever spend now or in the in the future. The new administration is proposing spending billions on a new broadband plan for the nation as well as Texas, but without private investment dollars, the federal funds will have little do with bridging the gap that private investment can deliver faster and cheaper.

According to many experts, these competitive changes in the telecommunications industry in our state and throughout the United States seem to be working. But now many of these same experts fear that the new administration may be on a path to re-regulate the telecommunications industry all over again, even when prices and services to the consumer are better than ever. Lawmakers and regulators should use caution when adopting laws and regulations that may hinder national broadband deployment.

The new White House administration is currently working to create a new national broadband policy. Our hope is that they look to the successes of Texas and adopt policies that encourage private investment and incubate technology without undue barriers.

Advancements in broadband services in Texas are a result of less government regulation, private investment, and greater competition that gives consumers more choices when it comes to services, equipment and most importantly cost.

Key decision makers in the new administration need only look to Texas as well as other states and realize that competition works.

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posted: Jun 19, 02:13 PM