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News Releases
New Edge Networks Urges Congressmen to Reject Tauzin-Dingell Bill
VANCOUVER, Wash., (Feb. 25, 2002) – Dan Moffat, president and CEO of New Edge Networks, a leading national competitive broadband services provider for small and midsize cities, today issued the following statement urging Congressmen to reject the Tauzin-Dingell Bill during an upcoming vote in the U. S. House of Representatives.
“On Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002, 435 members of Congress will be asked to vote on a legislative proposal commonly known as the Tauzin-Dingell bill or the Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 2001. I'm sure each Congressman has given much consideration to this vote -- they've been lobbied hard from all sides. Now its time for our Representatives in Congress to decide and cast a public vote in the best interest of Americans.
“In the final hours before this important vote, I ask each Congressman to seriously ask yourself how your constituents will benefit from a bill that threatens to eliminate the potential for meaningful local telecommunications competition, thousands of jobs among upstart competitive communications providers, and new capital investments that spur innovation, convenience and consumer savings.
“Please think about the public interest. Think about the folks who live and work in small towns and cities like Shelton, Wash.; Kokomo, Ind.; Hutchinson, Kan.; Laredo, Tex.; Atascadero, Calif.; Eagle, Idaho; or Saint Joseph, Mich. The Telecommunications Act of 1996, which spawned competition for local communications services, is the only reason these cities today have "Broadband Freedom." Passage of the Tauzin-Dingell Bill would reverse key pro-competitive provisions of the Telecom Act.”
“New Edge Networks deployed broadband facilities in these small cities and hundreds of others, knowing that the incumbent local exchange carriers would neglect them. Six years after passage of the 1996 Telecom Act, large incumbent local telephone providers have yet to bring broadband service to their customers in many of these cities even though the technology has been available for more than 10 years. There was nothing to prevent large incumbent carriers from deploying broadband facilities before the 1996 Act and there’s nothing to stop them today.
“Ask yourself this question, too. What reasonable person believes that without competition, the Regional Bell Operating Companies will increase capital spending to usher in new technology at a time when they are under mounting investor pressure to improve earnings?
“In recent weeks these companies have submitted capital spending plans to state regulatory bodies reflecting significant decreases. With no competitive alternative for consumers and rising investor concerns about earnings, what makes anyone think the Regional Bell Operating Companies will accelerate broadband deployment?
“The Telecommunications Act of 1996 gave New Edge Networks our life. Clearly, it spurred competition, huge capital investments by competitive providers, innovation, and – what President Bush summed up in one word that he believes will jump-start the economy – jobs. In less than two years, New Edge Networks created hundreds of new jobs and launched DSL service in more 360 small cities and towns in 29 states. We know what can be done.
“More than 30 state public utilities commissions and most consumer advocacy groups across America oppose this measure. I urge members of Congress to vote No, and require more stringent enforcement of the Telecom Act.
“Please. Before you vote Wednesday, think one last time about the public interest.”
About New Edge Networks
New Edge Networks owns and operates one of the largest multi-service data communications networks in the United States. With 600 multi-service switches, New Edge is able to deliver frame relay, ATM, and other advanced wide area network technologies to hundreds of markets nationwide. The company offers frame relay access and gateway products through agent programs and complementary carrier agreements with Regional Bell Operating Companies. In addition, New Edge provides DSL services in more than 360 small and midsize cities in 29 states. The company provides a wide variety of business class DSL solutions through Internet Service Providers and its own retail channel under the TransEdge brand. Total company revenue is almost equally split between WAN and DSL services. Top-tier private venture firms, global financial institutions and worldwide technology firms provide financial backing to New Edge Networks. The company’s Web site is www.newedgenetworks.com. Telephone: 1-360-693-9009.
Contact:
Sal Cinquegrani
(360) 906-9723
ATTN: New Edge Networks news releases contain information that is accurate as of the date they are issued. Information contained in past news releases may become out of date and the company does not assume responsibility for updating information contained in past news releases.