IPI: Video Franchise, VoIP Principles Outlined to Senate Commerce, Science &Transportation Committee
23 March 2006
At the invitation of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) sent a letter to the committee today addressing video franchise reform and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
The letter, co-authored by four IPI telecom experts, suggests the following:
VIDEO FRANCHISE REFORM:
IPI argues that the main goals of regulation are: 1.) Lower barriers to entry and exit, 2.) allowing markets to set prices, and 3.) ending anticipatory regulation.
IPI explains several principles that should guide the committee as they work toward deregulation: 1.) Government should not serve as a gatekeeper, 2.) prices should move, 3.) property rights should be respected, and 4.) recognition that "these aren't your father's cable companies or telecom companies."
VOICE over INTERNET PROTOCOL:
The committee would be wise to consider the following guidelines: 1.) Do not "tax up," 2.) do not "regulate up," and 3.) give critical attention to the legal-regulatory framework.
The letter concludes with these thoughts: "IPI hopes that this Committee, and Congress, will choose wherever possible to limit taxation, fees and regulations that inhibit market evolution, and to do so by striking a proper balance between national authority and local prerogative consistent with the emergence of cyberspace as a vital, border-free channel of health, commerce, learning, entertainment, and communication."
The Institute for Policy Innovation has released policy reports, published opinion/editorials across the nation, and testified before state legislatures in respect to multiple telecom issues. Most recently IPI weighed in on the Texas and Indiana telecom deregulation processes.
Copies of the full Senate letter are available by request. IPI's telecom experts are also available for comment. Contact Sonia Blumstein at soniab@ipi.org or 703-912-5742.
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IPI is an independent, public policy think tank with offices in Washington, D.C. and Dallas, Texas.
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