By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-955658.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A group promoting high speed internet and digital technology says its time Florida got rid of the last vestiges of traditional telephone rules. As Lynn Hatter reports, the group calling itself Citizens for a Digital Future, says if Florida further de-regulated its telecom rules, the state could see greater growth.
Hance Haney is co-author of a study supported by Citizens for a Digital Future that says consumers can benefit if the state de-regulates what's left of the traditional telecom services. Haney says there are four areas that the state should address -- service-quality rules, filing tariffs, detaching telephone companies from the state regulatory agency, and getting rid of price caps.
"Having this unnecessary requirement costs money, and its money that could be invested in broadband that's not invested in broadband. Its money that gets added to the cost structure of companies that they're competitors don't have."
Haney says by getting rid of many of the rules placed on telecom companies, there could be greater competition in the marketplace. Right now, only a quarter of Floridians use traditional phone lines.