Now, in many markets, consumers have a choice of as many as 5 wireless providers, and can purchase service at prices that last year cost 40 percent less than it did three years ago. In the long-distance arena, we now have over 600 providers competing for consumer minutes. Because of this, making a long-distance or international call is cheaper than the daily newspaper. In the local phone market, we have opened up the local loops. We made it easier for competitors to get into the incumbent's central office, and established rules on spectrum compatibility so that many competitors can use the network to send voice and data.
Competition is our mantra.
You did not oppose the Act, but just asked for provisions that would ensure fair competition between the cable and satellite industries. At our roundtable meeting in May, I challenged the different industry groups to deliver to me by July 1st, a detailed schedule for resolving compatibility issues. I want to thank you and CEMA for notifying me that you will be sending me this schedule by this date. Unfortunately, the MPAA has decided not to follow yours and CEMA's lead. Instead, they have chosen to delay.