Speaking to an audience of business executives, educators and local government officials, Mr. Jacobs covered a number of topics, including his views on competition, regulation, and future infrastructure development for the West Georgia area. The free and open competition in the Internet access industry is the best model for our industry.
Real competition comes from innovation, improvisation and investment in new technology.
Jacobs also voiced his concern over the current regulatory environment. However, that involvement should be limited to establishing and enforcing the rules of the game, rather than orchestrating every move of the players in the industry. Jacobs believes more regulatory authority should given to the state and local governments, which are more in tune with the needs and dynamics of their region. Turning to the topic of technology, Jacobs told the audience he foresees the day when high-speed data applications will become the driving force in the marketplace. According to Jacobs, the spread of broadband services will fuel the move toward electronic commerce, or e-commerce.