It requires state and federal regulators to collaborate. The irony of this Act is that cooperation is the prerequisite to competition. In that spirit of cooperation, I fully intend to continue to work with NTCA as we resolve outstanding issues. While change brings anxiety for all of the stakeholders we must recognize that this pie is big enough for everyone to have a slice. By every measure, the telecom industry is thriving.
Stock values are up and rising.
And this growth has meant new jobs for approximately 25,000 more Americans in the first year of the Telecom Act alone. We are now enjoying the longest period of peacetime economic growth in our history. And, for one-fourth of this growth, we have the information technology sector to thank. You have enriched our nation and enriched our lives. For this, you should all be proud.