Demo Press Release: Walter B. McCormic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 15, 2006

CONTACT: Allison Remsen
202.326.7370

USTelecom Comments on Senate Video Franchising Hearing

Background: Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation held a hearing on video franchising. Among those testifying were Ivan Seidenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Verizon Communications and Edward Whitacre, Chairman & CEO, AT&T.

The following statement is from Walter B. McCormick Jr., President and CEO of USTelecom:

"Today's hearing further illustrates the tremendous opportunities for consumers if Congress updates the telecom laws to allow more service providers to compete in the video market. As the FCC recently found, when cable providers are forced to compete with a wireline video provider, consumers pay fifteen percent less than those without video choice. While some communities already benefit from video competition, to make sure that all consumers have the same opportunities, Congress must act now to eliminate outdated regulations that favor cable providers over consumers.

"Telecom companies stand ready to offer new video services and products to consumers and we look forward to working closely with the Senate and House this year to move this important legislation forward."

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About USTelecom
The United States Telecom Association, USTelecom, is the premier trade association representing service providers and suppliers for the telecom industry. USTelecom represents more than 1,200 companies offering a wide range of services across the communications platforms, including voice, video and data over local exchange, long distance, wireless, Internet and cable services.