I have often reiterated my belief that the Commission must move expeditiously to complete the administrative processes that lead to the establishment of ever-more innovative communications services. The public interest is served best by having early access to an array of lower-cost, ubiquitous, communications services provided by competing entities vying for the consumer's attention and money. Congress has given us many new regulatory tools. We are celebrating the one year anniversary of the landmark Telecommunications Reform Act of 1996. There are sweeping changes incorporated into the Act that affect all of the industries under our jurisdiction.
Competition is the touchstone.
Some have been heard to declare that the Telecom Reform has not yet fostered competition among cable, wired voice telephone, wireless services and broadcast television. But as a former broadcaster, I take a longer view. Remember, the first TV broadcasters lost their shirts for the first four or five years. New competitive services usually do not gain immediate acceptance or profitability. The sweeping rule changes must be given time to take effect.