Modern and Fair Telecom Reform Will Connect Colorado

HB 1327-1331 will update 20 year old regulation of local phone service, create a State Broadband Fund, speed investment in technology, and increase competition that benefits urban and rural consumers.

Debunking the AARP myths

AARP would have you believe that everyone in Colorado still uses the old “black phone” attached to that wire coming out of your wall.  And, that any change in current law would lead to an army of technicians marching across the state cutting every wire in site.  This is 2014, and the facts just don’t support AARP’s misleading claims being leveled against this reform package of legislation.

This legislative package will:

  • Protect Consumers:  PUC can review the competitive marketplace and if competition diminishes, placing consumers at risk, the Commission can impose stricter regulation on basic local service.
  • Deliver the Benefits of Competition:  Long distance prices fell 70 % in the 20 years after reforms.  Economic studies also confirm that modernizing regulation can lead to lower prices.  Both the Florida and California commissions concluded that updated regulation has had little impact on affordability.  Nebraska reforms happened in 1986 and prices haven’t increased in 12 years!   
  • Protect 911:  The PUC will continue its authority over basic emergency service (911) regardless of technology.  Currently almost 80% of all 911 calls are placed using cell phones, while traditional landline and VoIP represent about 10% each.  Every technology works.
  • Create a Broadband Fund:  Using savings from the State High Cost Fund broadband will be delivered to unserved areas at no additional cost to consumers.
  • Establish a Streamlined Process for Private Broadband Investment:  Streamlines, permitting, rights of way, cell tower siting process to spur investment in broadband and VoIP deployment.

AARP’s claims just aren’t true:

  • These bills DO NOT put landline phone service at risk or eliminate support for high cost rural areas of the state.
  • These bills DO NOT change the way Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is regulated today.
  • These bills DO NOT take away the right to complain to the PUC.
  • These bills DO NOT mean rates will go up. In fact the PUC has the right to re-impose regulation if the public interest is put at risk.

60Plus applauds the House for passing the Telecommunications Modernization Package and asks the Senate to do the same in helping to bring Colorado into the 21st Century, create a level playing field for competitors, protect and benefit consumers.

Vote “Yes” on the Telecommunications Modernization Legislative Package!