PITTSBURGH, December 16, 2011 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement in response to the introduction of major communications reform legislation by U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.).
“The American Cable Association applauds Sen. DeMint and Rep. Scalise for showing vision and leadership in introducing legislation aimed at reforming outdated laws and regulations. We are particularly encouraged that they are seeking to update and modernize the laws that govern the video market to promote competition and to better serve the interests of consumers, especially those located in rural markets with unique economic issues.
“ACA greatly appreciates that with this legislation, Congress will open a dialogue – an action long overdue — on reforming communications laws and regulations that have sat around far too long and failed to keep pace with changes in the market. Just as a house will develop leaks if the roof is not maintained, laws and regulations need to be updated periodically to ensure they don’t inflict harm on consumers.
“Along with Sen. DeMint and Rep. Scalise, ACA agrees that sweeping action is necessary in a number of areas to ensure that communications rules reflect today’s market realities.
“We look forward to meeting and working with the lawmakers on refinements to the legislation in an effort to address the specific concerns of smaller providers who serve smaller markets and rural areas. Moreover, we hope the committees of jurisdiction will hold hearings on communications reform next year, and we are encouraged by the interest of these Members and of other leaders who have signaled their desire to investigate how current law affects competition and serves consumers. This clearly indicates growing interest in many of the topics ACA is concerned about, and we welcome the in-depth analysis that all of these policymakers envision.
“ACA is confident that legislation that removes rules and regulations that serve no real public interest purpose in today’s market will indeed foster investment, innovation, and consumer choice. Sen. DeMint and Rep. Scalise should receive high praise for starting us on an important legislative journey that should yield important benefits for every American consumer.”
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 900 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for more than 7.6 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business. For more information, visit https://acaconnects.org/