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Telecom Bill to Governor's Desk
The 25-year old Telecommunications Act could soon see a much-needed update. Members of the Illinois House and Senate unanimously approved a measure to revamp the law, which had not been updated since 2001.

The legislation eliminates a number of regulations on telecommunications companies that the companies consider outdated. For example, a company such as AT&T would no longer be forced to invest money into legacy land lines. Proponents of the bill say those regulations prevented companies from investing in and developing new technologies such as broadband access.
Jeff Mays, president of the Illinois Business Roundtable, says many companies were investing in other states, including Indiana and Missouri, after those states deregulated their laws. Mays says the bill encourages those companies to invest and create jobs here. He says that the more companies that invest in Illinois, the more competition exists to keep prices low.

The bill does keep intact some safe harbor packages, which allow customers to purchase services, like land lines, at affordable prices.

S.B. 107 is set to expire in 2013, giving lawmakers the opportunity to revisit the law in three years. The bill now heads to the governor's desk.

(Illinois Radio Network)
05 12 10 by Newsroom
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