Telecommunications
"As a member of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, my top priorities are improving public safety, encouraging innovative new technology, and protecting consumers."
— Congressman Bart Gordon
With the many advances in technology, people are able to communicate in faster, more cost-effective and innovative ways than ever before. With these advances, it is important we do not sacrifice safety and privacy.
Improving Public Safety and Encouraging Innovation
Internet phone or Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services are revolutionizing the telephone industry by driving down costs, improving quality and increasing competition. All of these things are good for consumers. But consumers shouldn’t have to choose between lower prices and their personal safety. Bart authored the NET 911 Improvement Act, which was signed into law on July 23, 2008. This legislation gives VOIP service providers the same access to 911 systems as wireless phone providers, and it ensures that consumers with internet phone service will be able to call 911 in an emergency. The bill also seeks to improve 911 services for the deaf and disabled and encourage the development of a national IP-enabled 911 network.
Regulating 1-800 and 1-900 Numbers
In 1990, Bart introduced legislation to regulate 1-800 and 1-900 numbers for the first time. The bill was passed into law as part of the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act. The law prohibits charges on calls to 1-800 numbers, gives consumers the right to block 1-900 numbers, and requires 1-900 operators to disclose rates and give people the chance to hang up before they incur charges. Bart acted again in 1994, authoring legislation prohibiting any charges on telephone bills for calls routed through 1-800 numbers. The bill was passed into law as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Bart strongly supports other initiatives related to telephones aimed at protecting consumers.
Expanding Access to Broadband for All Americans
High speed internet access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for daily modern life. Nationwide access to affordable broadband is essential if the United States is to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Bart has been working on legislation to ensure all Americans, including those living in rural areas, have access to affordable high speed internet service. He supports modernizing the Universal Service Program, the program that ensured all Americans have access to phone service, to promote nationwide broadband service. He also supports retooling the Rural Utilities Services loan program to help pay for building broadband networks in rural and underserved areas. In addition, Bart supports changing the nation’s spectrum auction rules to encourage the deployment of innovative new wireless broadband technologies.
