John Ensign, United States Senator, Nevada

Washington, D.C. – Senator John Ensign introduced legislation designed to update the nation’s telecommunications laws and increase choices for consumers in the field of technology. The Broadband Consumer Choice Act of 2005, was unveiled July 27, 2005 at a Capitol press conference.

“It is time to restore America’s status as a leader in the field of global communication technology and to improve burdensome and outdated government regulations for the benefit of consumers nationwide,” Ensign said. “Americans’ ingenuity and creativity can provide more choices for consumers if government bureaucrats will get out of the way and allow our companies to compete.”

Among the consumer choice provisions in the bill:

• 1.  Eliminates the requirement that video service providers obtain a cable franchise agreement in order to provide video service.
• 2.  Sets federal consumer protection standards to ensure timely and quality carrier service.
• 3.  Assures consumer access to Internet-based phone service.

“We must not allow government regulations to be an anchor on the advance of technology if we want America to lead the world in the information age,” Ensign said. “This bill will create jobs, stimulate the economy, and increase consumer choice. I’m proud to introduce this landmark legislation, and I want to commend Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens for his leadership on these important technology issues. I look forward to working with the Chairman as we update our nation’s telecommunications laws.”