U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), 6th District
Member, House Energy and Commerce Committee
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet
Member, House Energy and Commerce Committee
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet
Chris Wolf introduces Congressman Stearns and reviews the various broadband and ICT policy problems that the Congressman is currently determined to solve, including the Dtv transition. On broadband, Congressman Stearns has supported legislation and efforts to support industry investments and to ensure fair and enhanced competition.
With Congress in session, the Congressman apologizes in advance if he is pulled out of the room by a staff member in order to get back to the Capitol for a vote…
Representative Stearns has seen immense change in the telecommunications industry during his tenure, including an explosion in competition, which “has to continue.” He wants to focus on two cases where the government could facilitate continued competition and connectivity.
One case is network neutrality. The Congressman reads from the Markey net neutrality bill, quoting the suggested amendments to the Communications Act. “When I look at this bill, what’s most troubling to me is that no one can agree on what constitutes unreasonable discrimination…what we have here is another example of ready, fire, aim.” Congressman Stearns believes legislating such a principle would chill investment and posits that non-discrimination terms for communications technologies are outdated and do not meet the dynamic needs of ICT in the 21st Century.
Another case where Congress can help: wireless spectrum auctions. The Congressman cites the positive impacts of past auctions on both government revenues and on wireless competition. Regarding the 700Mhz auction, the Congressman Stearns submits that the auction was hindered by the conditions attached to the most recent auction – revenues were harmed and so was the public good. He encourages an unencumbered market approach to future auctions.
So, the Congressman asks, how broadband can be expanded and points to Connect Kentucky and Connected Nation as models that could improve rural broadband deployment and adoption for the entire US.
Representative Stearns believes we are in the midst of an unprecedented era for innovation, an era where Google could help every couple in America by automatically sending your spouse an anniversary gift!
Tags: Connect Kentucky, Dtv Transition, Net Neutrality, Spectrum Reform
