Business, Labor and Community Leaders Join Forces in Support of Broadband Parity; Say Competition Good for Consumers, Economic Development, Jobs

Business Wire, March 25, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 25, 2003

Leaders of organized labor, business and community groups showed their support of broadband parity legislation today, heralding a bill sponsored by Illinois Senate Environment and Energy Committee member Dennis Jacobs (D-36th) as a benefit for consumers. The organizations stressed the economic necessity of Senate Bill 1518, which requires all companies that provide high-speed Internet access be treated equally.

Currently, only one of the four technologies that provide high-speed access (cable, satellite, wireless and DSL) is regulated -- DSL. According to elected officials, the bill gives DSL equal footing with the dominant technology, cable modem, which already controls 70% of the market.

"We applaud Senator Jacobs for proposing this legislation, which will create parity in the marketplace and will benefit consumers with lower prices and more choices, and will help bring high-speed Internet access to underserved areas," said Carrie Hightman, President of SBC Illinois. "The competition spurred by this bill will create greater investment in technology and in Illinois-this translates into more jobs and economic development for our state."

Hightman added that SBC has worked with members of the E&E Committee on amendments to "ensure the bill does not deny competitors' access to the current voice and data network, and that SBC's voice service will continue to be regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission. SBC fully appreciates its obligations when it comes to voice services."

Margaret Blackshere (President, IL AFL-CIO), Dennis Gannon (President, Chicago Federation of Labor) and Ron Kastner (President, IBEW Local 21) discussed how the bill will benefit union members. "Investment in the network means jobs will be created as technology is enhanced and networks are built to reach more people. It's important that organized labor-and anyone who thinks jobs for Illinois is important-supports forward-looking laws like this one. Thank you Senator Jacobs," Blackshere said.

Jerry Roper (CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce) and Shirlanne Lemm (President, Greater O'Hare Association) stressed how underserved small and medium sized businesses need high-speed access, and that businesses should be encouraged to invest in Illinois. Roper said, "The public sector should provide the appropriate regulatory and economic environment that encourages businesses like SBC to invest and grow in our state. This bill isn't about treating SBC favorably, but fairly- then letting market forces work to the benefit of consumers."

Leaders today also mentioned that broadband parity has been reviewed, debated and endorsed by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the American Legislative Exchange Council.

The bill was passed out of the Senate's Environment and Energy Committee on March 5 on a 9-2 vote, and is expected to come before the full Senate for approval within the next two weeks.

SBC Communications Inc. (www.sbc.com) is one of the world's leading data, voice and Internet services providers. Through its world-class networks, SBC companies provide a full range of voice, data, networking and e-business services, as well as directory advertising and publishing. A Fortune 30 company, America's leading provider of high- speed DSL Internet Access services, and one of the nation's leading Internet Service Providers, SBC companies currently serve 58 million access lines nationwide. In addition, SBC companies own 60 percent of America's second-largest wireless company, Cingular Wireless, which serves more than 22 million wireless customers. Internationally, SBC companies have telecommunications investments in 25 countries.

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