Continued growth in this area is vital to our economy and our global leadership in the information technology sector. Indeed, many of the new technologies we enjoy today are the fruits of the de-regulatory objectives of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. If further deregulation of the telecommunications markets is warranted, and I am not saying that it is at this point, this Committee and its Chairman intend to continue to work with Senator McCain and the Commerce Committee to do what is fair. In any event, as we move ahead with the de-regulations of the 1996 Act, timely enforcement of antitrust laws, as established through sound legal and economic principles, will become even more important in ensuring a competitive market. As I have said before, proper enforcement of antitrust laws today, will, and should, avoid heavy-handed regulation of the Internet tomorrow.
Today s hearing is about the future of the Internet.
And when we talk about the future of the Internet, we mean broadband. It is only with broadband that the full potential and benefits of the Internet and electronic-commerce can be realized. For example, today s hearing is being streamed over the Internet. Those who are watching it online will appreciate how much better the images and sounds would be with broadband access that can carry 100 times as much data. As we move forward, it is important to have an environment that provides proper incentives for companies to continue to invest in broadband technologies.