You’d think there would be a lot of glitches and problems when an industry comes as far and as fast as wireless. But that just hasn’t happened. It’s remarkable
that this industry has experienced such fantastic growth and at the same time has
been subjected to so little controversy or consumer unrest. People really love what wireless does for them and it’s become a huge part of our lives. It’s extraordinary and it just keeps growing.
Wave: President Clinton spoke at CTIA Wireless this past spring and was assionate about the economic and social value wireless communication provides. What policies will encourage those benefits to an even greater degree than what we’ve had so far?
Mr. Inslee: I think we need to make it as accessible to as many people as possible. The industry has done a great job of offering a reasonably priced product, but I think Congress can provide some valuable assistance. For example, I’ve taken a position to try to stop inappropriate state activity that might
eventually increase price or decrease access. Restricting local and state taxes is another area we should look at.
This industry has developed so successfully on its own nickel and impetus. This has not been a government-directed sort of industry. We need to keep that in mind and find the right mix that’s heavy on letting these bright people do their thing and light on government interference.
Wave: One of the areas that government can help is universal service reform. The Joint Universal Service Board is recommending a cap on distributions for wireless service, and that seems more than a little backwards considering the popularity
of wireless and could ultimately cheat a lot of rural consumers. How do you feel about it?
Mr. Inslee: I agree. This is one of the things I talked about originally when I
referred to fairness. I don’t think the FCC should take discriminatory action such as this against cell phone users. There’s no reason why Americans should have their choices dictated by the government, and that’s exactly what the cap does. So I wrote a letter to the Joint Board (Federal-State Joint Board on
Universal Service) to let them know how I feel. I don’t think you can make a rational case for limiting access to wireless service. It doesn’t make sense. I hope the board follows my advice, like they almost always do, of course (laughing). If not, maybe we can do something here in Congress.
"We need to create a meaningful environment where their entrepreneurial skills can flourish, and I think the three ways we do that is by encouraging the competition that is giving people so many choices today, by making sure we keep things fair for wireless technology, and by generally employing a light regulatory touch."
U.S. Representative Jay Robert Inslee (D-WA-1)