The Internet is arguably the most revolutionary and far-reaching development of our time. The Internet's future depends on competition, so that users and providers can contribute to the evolution of this remarkable medium in ways most of us have probably not even imagined yet. Unless competitors can reach these users, that dynamic is compromised.
Competition inevitably results in superior products and better service.
The Congress had the great vision and courage in 1996 to reform our telecom laws and pass a landmark piece of legislation - the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Even in its infancy, this law has provided opportunities for competitors to reach their customers and for new competitors to find the capital investments they need to compete. It is more critical than ever for that pro-competitive environment to continue now, as competition is beginning to take hold across the country. Just as they did in 1996, policymakers must have the courage to stand behind the principles of open markets and competition that their Act envisioned. Fast and full deployment of broadband technologies depends on these same principles - it's coming already.