The legislature needs to provide incentives to encourage all entrants to invest and compete in the market place. These new entrants need access to the high cost fund. Mr. Bloomer suggested that the legislature consider creating a telecom enterprise zone. He also told the committee that the playing field needs to be more even. He responded by telling the committee that the telecommunication technology is already there, but that it costs a lot of money.
Money is the major issue.
He testified that Colorado can either wait for the costs to reach a point where it is profitable for private industry to provide such services, or provide a government subsidy that makes it economic. He proceeded to share with the committee his views on the best way for the state to subsidize the cost of the technology.