[May 17, 2002]

"The United States Telecommunications Association has stated that S. 2448, the Broadband Telecommunications Act of 2002, that I have introduced 'heavily subsidize[s] the creation of government owned networks' and that 'if rural telecoms accept...loans, they [would] lose their rural exemption and become subject to regulations even more onerous than those imposed on the RBOCs.'

USTA's statements are totally incorrect, because S. 2448 simply does not take either of these actions. Apparently, USTA is stopping at nothing to erode support for our proposal amongst rural telecom companies. With that said, to the extent small incumbent telephone companies are concerned, we will work with these companies and others to clarify the relevant provisions as the bill moves forward in the Senate."

—Senator Fritz Hollings