Issue Position: Telecommunications

Issue Position

In the past decade, the telecommunications industry has undergone sweeping changes, lead by technology change and industry convergence. These changes offer the promise of large consumer benefits, as well as important economic benefits, such as increased jobs, investment and national productivity. Other benefits include increased economic development in the states, international competitiveness and enhanced national security, as numerous redundant communications platforms are available to Americans.

However, these benefits are contingent upon the unleashing of market forces and the ability of telecommunications providers to meet the demands of consumers. Competition is best served by public policies that are technology and industry neutral, and by public policies that favor market forces over regulatory management. Because regulations increase industry costs and are applied asymmetrically among intermodal competitors, the ability of market forces to respond fully to consumer needs is hampered. When market forces are discouraged, investment declines and competition is thwarted.

Congressman Sessions is a strong supporter of innovation, investment, and competition to promote growth in the telecommunications industry. Telecommunications growth and investment leads to economic growth and consumer benefits; discouraging growth and investment will harm consumers by reducing innovation, increasing pressures to eliminate jobs and limiting consumer choice. Congressman Sessions also opposes any unnecessary regulation that limits consumer access to various media outlets and stifles the freedom guaranteed in the First Amendment.

Source