LETTERS: TELECOMMUNICATIONS BILL

To the editor:

House Bill 1363 may be coming up for a vote in the Missouri House this week. It is important that we contact our representatives and ask for their support.

Recent passage of federal telecommunications legislation will create a new environment in telecommunications in this country. The federal legislation allows greater competition in the local, long-distance and cable-television markets.

We need legislation in Missouri to complement the federal legislation which does not address the way existing companies are regulated or how they can respond to competition. HB1363:

-- Allows local telephone companies to reduce their prices (but not below cost) so that they can compete for high-profit customers.

-- Allows local telephone companies to compete fairly with their rivals for local telephone customers.

-- Establishes price-cap pricing for telephone service, forcing telephone companies to be efficient. This follows a pattern adopted in some 38 states which is spreading across America.

-- Creates a universal service fund that can be used to bring the new telecommunications technology to more Missourians.

-- Fosters the development of telemedicine, distance learning and enough capacity for economic development for rural areas and for all Missourians.

-- Requires all telecommunications providers to recognize the need for equipment to be designed so it is accessible to all.

HB1363 is the bill that will protect customers and ensure all Missourians will enjoy the promise of advanced telecommunications into the 21st century.

SHIRLEY YOUNG,

Scott City