Satellite communications has real potential to provide rural areas with advanced communications services, such as quality video conferencing, improved distance learning, and telemedicine services. A lot of traditional communications companies are scared to put up the capital to lay down cable or fiber lines in rural areas, but satellites can circumvent that need. Until the satellite industry has to compete with these companies, however, it has no incentive to pay serious attention to Montana or other rural states. Satellite reform is one of the most important issues that will come before the Commerce Committee this year. Much of the future of communications will rely on satellites, and we have to develop a system capable of bearing that burden.
Privatization is the cornerstone of that system.
The unanimous passage of this bill is a major legislative victory for folks in rural areas. During the committee meeting, Burns offered a substitute amendment addressing the concerns of some committee members and ensuring the bill's passage through committee. Burns is chairman of the Senate Communications Subcommittee, which oversees satellite communications issues.