Call waiting: new investments holding on line one

OLYMPIA – As states compete to attract new technology, two Washington state legislators are proposing an update of Washington’s communications laws to promote competition and investment.

“We need to recognize that Washington is competing against every other state to be a leader in technology and communications,” said Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett. “We can spur economic growth if we act now to update our laws.”

“People in our communities demand the latest in technology for their families and for their businesses,” said Rep. Mark Ericks, D-Bothell. “When companies compete on a fair and level playing field, customers get better products, more choices and lower prices.”

Senate Bill 5592, introduced by Berkey, and its companion, House Bill 1681, introduced by Ericks, would modernize the state’s outdated telecom laws while protecting consumers.

The bill would:

• support creation of new jobs and stimulate economic development;
• support consumer choice by promoting innovation and private investment in communications infrastructure and support introduction of new products and services;
• protect consumers by ensuring the availability of basic and assisted telephone service and maintaining the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission’s authority over customer complaints and wholesale issues; and
• level the playing field to ensure fair treatment of telecom service providers.

Traditional telephone companies, cable companies, Internet providers and wireless services now compete to provide many of the same services, but they are treated very differently by state government. Updating the state’s laws would ensure more competition and promote local investment as companies work to provide customers with the best services at the most competitive prices.

“As companies invest they create more family-wage jobs to build and maintain the network,” said Ray Egelhoff, business manager and financial secretary for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 89. “If we don’t update our laws we risk falling behind other states, losing family-wage jobs and holding back economic growth. The time to act is now.”

The legislation has bipartisan support in the state House and Senate. The bill is expected to receive a Senate hearing in February.

Return to Sen. Berkey's home page