8. Do you think a revision in Universal Service laws is necessary, and if so, what has to
be done?
Universal Service is essential to a robust, sound communications system. The
bill Senator Inouye and I presented expands the list of those who will pay into
the USF system, and includes a number of recommendations made by the
wireless industry. For example, a discount on USF will apply to families with
multiple cell phones and to low-volume users who use their cell phones only for
emergencies. This is of particular interest to senior approval from a local
government to put up a citizens.
9. When Universal Service was first designed, wireless was not a viable competitor in
the telecommunications landscape. Now that’s changed, so how should that be
reflected in a revised system?
Under our bill, wireless carriers would be eligible to receive USF price support in
high cost areas. We rejected proposals to limit support for wireless carriers. The
bill creates a separate fund to extend broadband service to unserved areas.
Wireless carriers could be in the forefront in extending broadband service
Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcom to rural America.
10. What do you see as the promise or potential of wireless communications? And
what are the challenges or obstacles for the industry from your point of view?
The sky is the limit. The potential is limited only by the human imagination.
Probably the greatest obstacle is undue government interference at all levels,
whether its getting approval from a local government to put up a cell tower or
complying with burdensome government regulations at the state level, like the
size of font on a cell phone bill. As we move forward, Congress will take a hard
look at how the wireless industry should be regulated and by whom.
