| <home> -- <press releases> -- <September 26, 2003> Congresswoman
Bordallo Seeks Equity FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 26, 2003 – Washington, D.C. – In a statement before the Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture and Technology, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo addressed issues of equity in wireless communications rates between Guam and the States. She also expressed her support for the Universal Service Fund, which allows telecommunications carriers in rural and high cost areas to access subsidies for advanced technology. "Action is needed to close this loophole in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that has allowed wireless providers to sidestep provisions aimed at ensuring that call rates be equitable throughout the United States including the territories," said Bordallo. "This legislation intended to create greater competition and equality in the telecommunications industry throughout the entire jurisdiction of the United States." The Telecommunications Act of 1996 drastically lowered long distance rates between Guam and the United States by mandating that telecommunications services provide a uniform rate across the United States. However, a recent court decision ruled that wireless communication does not fall under the definition of a "telephone exchange service," thus reversing FCC regulation that covered wireless under the Act. "It is clear to me that the intent of Congress is not being followed in this case," said Bordallo. "Guam is being adversely affected by a legal loophole that Congress and the FCC must close." In her statement, Bordallo requested that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revisit the issue of wireless communication to Guam in order to ensure that small businesses and individuals are protected from having to pay higher rates ###
Contact: Neil Weare
in Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-1188 or Joaquin
Perez in Guam at (671) 477-4272. |
