This means that Japanese consumers are prevented from obtaining the highest quality telecommunications technology at the lowest price. They are not allowed to choose from the incredible array of services and products available around the world. And they pay higher prices than they should. Japanese firms also suffer for the same reasons in their procurement of telecommunications goods and services. They cannot get the best, and they overpay for what they can buy.
Many modern services are simply unavailable in Japan.
If the Japanese government wanted to follow a path that would lead to higher economic growth, greater choice and lower prices for its consumers, and increased efficiency for its industry, it would deregulate this sector immediately. The Sense of the Senate Resolution I am introducing today simply stresses the need for significant regulatory reform in Japan, supports USTR in vigorously pursuing this, and sends the message to Japan that the Senate is strongly behind such an effort. Deregulation serves American and international business. It serves the Japanese economy. It serves the Japanese consumer.