Broadband bill hews to laissez-faire line

Iria · Dec 19, 2005, 08:35 PM

As part of a planned update of a 1996 telecommunications law, Congress will consider a new proposal that starts with a simple premise: The government should be minimally intrusive when enacting regulations.

Sen. Jim DeMint, a South Carolina Republican, introduced a 50-page bill (click here for PDF) late last week, adding to a medley of proposals Congress will likely take up next year as it attempts to update the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Politicians and industry representatives have criticized the law for failing to account for booming Internet, wireless and broadband technologies.

"Today, cable, phone, and wireless offer consumers similar services, but each one is bound by a different set of confusing and burdensome regulations," DeMint said in a statement. "At a time when communication technologies are exploding, and mediums are merging, we must create a system that protects consumers while allowing businesses to thrive."
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Read More / Source: ZDNet

Vikingod · Dec 19, 2005, 08:44 PM

Would be the best thing for everyone I think, but not likely to happen. The tide of the US government regs in the last 7 years has been one of extreme and growing involvement (Patriot act, GLB, SOX, HIPA). I doubt they are going to ease up on this one.

Dec 19, 2005, 08:35 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Broadband bill hews to laissez-faire line As part of a planned update of a 1996 telecommunications law, Congress will consider a new proposal that starts with a simple premise: The government should be minimally intrusive when enacting regulations. Sen. Jim DeMint, a South Carolina Republican, introduced a 50-page bill (click here for PDF) late last week, adding to a medley of proposals Congress will likely take up next year as it attempts to update the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Politicians and industry representatives have criticized the law for failing to account for booming Internet, wireless and broadband technologies. "Today, cable, phone, and wireless offer consumers similar services, but each one is bound by a different set of confusing and burdensome regulations," DeMint said in a statement. "At a time when communication technologies are exploding, and mediums are merging, we must create a system that protects consumers while allowing businesses to thrive." ____________ Read More / Source: ZDNet

Dec 19, 2005, 08:44 PM	#2
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	Would be the best thing for everyone I think, but not likely to happen. The tide of the US government regs in the last 7 years has been one of extreme and growing involvement (Patriot act, GLB, SOX, HIPA). I doubt they are going to ease up on this one.