Hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Subject: Hearing on Media Ownership

HEARING OF THE SENATE COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
 
SUBJECT: HEARING ON MEDIA OWNERSHIP
 
SEN. GORDON SMITH (R-OR): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing. I'm pleased to note that in spite of the downturn in the telecommunications market, the cable industry continues to invest in broadband facilities and the deployment of advanced services to consumers, and particularly they're doing this not just in urban areas but also in rural areas. I believe this is happening in part because of increased competition and deployment of advanced services by satellite and telephone companies as well.

On another note, as the committee continues to deal with broadband and open competition in the media market, I want to express my support for maintaining the open nature of the Internet. We need to continue to keep the broadband market open and ensure that customers continue to have access to content and the applications of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis.

I look forward, Mr. Chairman, to hearing our witnesses today.

SEN. SMITH: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wonder if during your study, did you include the investments that cable made on advanced services like broadband in coming up with your report?

MR. SHEAR: We haven't to date, as Amy just pointed out, we're collecting information, we have a template we're providing to cable companies that will include certain questions about their infrastructure investments.

SEN. SMITH: I'd be very interested to know whether cable rates have gone up as a result of these broadband investments, because I think that that's an important calculation and something I hope you'll answer for us.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.