Indiana
Telecommunications Association|
Electronic
Press Kit
About the ITA
ITA and Telecom Reform
ITA and Telecom Reform
|
Press
Governor’s speech touts Telecom Reform
as part of
revitalization of Indiana
January 17, 2008, Indianapolis--In Tuesday night’s State of the State speech, Governor Mitch Daniels used Indiana’s ground-breaking telecommunication reform law as a key ingredient in helping raising Indiana’s stature among businesses worldwide.
“When knowledgeable Americans think of telecommunications reform, they think of Indiana…,” said Governor Daniels.
“This is a far cry from where we sat just two years ago,” said John Koppin, Indiana Telecommunications Associations President. He continued, “He’s right; dozens of states have tried to followed suit, but almost two years later ours is still the best. Our innovative and investment inducing reform program is the national leader.”
The Governor went on to encourage legislators to operate toward current issues, with “Bravery and bipartisanship [in] …The spirit that produced telecom reform…”
“The 2006 bipartisan effort in the Indiana General Assembly, that moved Indiana to pass the most farsighted deregulatory telecom statute in the nation, was the right inducement to bring massive investment to Indiana from the telecom industry. This has resulted in the creation of close to 2,000 direct telecom jobs and $480 million in new investment,” said Koppin.
“Simply put, this law is a shot in the arm for the Indiana economy--capital expenditures and meaningful, long-term jobs. We’re pleased that the Governor would highlight this telecommunications reform bill as a significant part of his Administration’s accomplishments,” Koppin concluded.
Landmark Telecom
Reform Legislation Becomes National Example
Passage of HEA 1279 puts Indiana near the top in technology
investment
It seems just a short time ago when, in March 2006, Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law the most sweeping telecommunications reform bill in the nation, bringing Indiana to the forefront of delivering the latest communications technology to millions of Hoosiers.
In less than two years, Indiana’s diverse telecommunication companies have seized the opportunity to provide previously under served communities and those with few, if any, services, a broad range of technological offerings including high speed Internet, DSL, wireless broadband, and broadband video offerings. Now many companies are offering bundled services helping consumers make easier decisions and save money.
To date, Indiana Telecommunication Association (ITA) members have invested more than $480 million in Indiana since the legislation passage.
In addition to this huge increase and influx of capital investment, more than 2,000 new jobs have been created, many of which are good paying union jobs.
It’s important to note that new broadband investments are providing new communications options where they were not previously available prior to the bill's passage in March 2006. Today, a combined total of 102 additional communities are enjoying the benefits of these broadband services.
The bottom line is that consumers are gaining more choices now that all communication companies are competing under the same rules. Now, more options exist for consumers to get video delivered to their homes, and this means lower rates due to increased competition.
These are exciting times in Indiana. It’s an enviable position
to be leading the nation in technology advancements. And, ITA
members have made good on their promises to deliver more
services, faster, better and cheaper.