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Gov. Blunt Signs Legislation to Promote Competition, Improve Technology
Gov. Matt Blunt signed legislation to protect innovative new technology that is reducing costs and creating more competitive choices for consumers from unnecessary regulation. The bill is the most extensive deregulation of voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) service in the nation.
"Missouri companies and entrepreneurs must have the freedom and flexibility to create new and innovative services to best serve their customers," Gov. Blunt said. "We are at the forefront of a technological revolution when it comes to how we use the Internet, phones and other information technology to communicate. This legislation tears down obstacles to innovation, allows Missouri companies to develop new technologies in a more competitive fashion, and preserves oversight authority where needed."
House Bill 1779, sponsored by Rep. Ed Emery, enjoyed bi-partisan support in both the House and Senate. Among other things, it affects a broad deregulation of VOIP in Missouri. Regulatory changes in the bill were designed to promote competition while preserving the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) authority. The bill also updates current law to include new technologies and competitive situations.
As VOIP and related technology is continuing to evolve and develop a market presence, this legislation will allow it to grow more effectively and efficiently.
Gov. Blunt has worked to ensure Missourians have access to the latest technology. He created the Rural High-Speed Internet Access Task Force, headed by Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, to identify opportunities to increase access to technology across the state and help ensure no Missourian is left out of today’s technology based economy because of where they live.
Legislation Gov. Blunt signed is also bringing needed competition to Missouri’s cable television industry, resulting in new jobs and new investments in technology. Since the governor enacted a statewide cable franchise agreement AT&T Missouri announced plans to invest $335 million over the next three years to bring cutting edge video and Internet services to Missourians, and CenturyTel announced plans to add up to 15 new jobs and $15 million in capital investment in Columbia. The legislation streamlined the process for new cable providers to enter Missouri markets. Companies may now work directly with the Missouri Public Service Commission to enter several local markets at one time without going through each individual city as required by past state laws.
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