Not this again…

Several members have expressed concern over continued pressure in emails from State level executives and first level managers encouraging members to go to a website set up by the powerful lobbying arm of AT&T in Wisconsin.  The website presents AT&T’s views on how beneficial it would be to have a deregulated telecommunications market. The site provides links to send a company sponsored message to State law makers. It appears they have simply dusted off the old Video Competition Bill playbook. 

The traditional Switched Network that serves over 3 million landlines is currently governed by the Public Service Commission. The PSC is responsible for regulating the rates, safety, adequacy and quality of service of certain aspects of local telephone service.  The PSC’s mission is to ensure that safe, sufficient, and reasonably priced utility services are provided to all of Wisconsin’s customers.  AT&T has lobbied to “level the playing field” in Wisconsin by removing the PSC’s jurisdiction and shifting oversight to the Department of Ag and Consumer Protection.   Many have expressed caution over the gutting of regulatory oversight.  The Public Service Commission stated in a letter that the proposed legislation, if enacted, would represent the most significant and fundamental change to Wisconsin telecommunications law in many years.

Many of us remember the crisis that had the nation’s financial system teetering on the brink of collapse.  The banks that were too big to fail followed by the huge taxpayer bailout.  Even Ben Bernanke said we could have used some regulation.

Who can forget what ENRON did to the newly deregulated energy market in California? 

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/enron/timeline80s.html

And finally, the lack of enforceable oversight that may have contributed to recent tragedies in the Mining Industry where disfavor is coming down on a company with a history of safety violations.

Let’s face it: there is a legitimate place in our lives for regulation on essential services.  When large corporations are left to police themselves the consequences can be devastating. Many of our members work on the front line of this industry. We have seen the results of the Video Competition bill on our work environment.  Please take a look at a few views the company didn’t provide in the emails you may have received.

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_ea5ee994-1a2e-11df-b163-001cc4c03286.html

Statement from the Citizens Utility Board (PDF)

Here and Now Frederica Freyberg

Cable competition law fails

Get informed and get involved.

If you do not know who your representatives are, simply go to

http://waml.legis.state.wi.us/ and enter your information or call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472.

Senate Bill 469 and Assembly Bill 696 provide a deregulated playing field that will likely doom a once respected industry in Wisconsin.

Instead of lowering the bar for AT&T, Why not raise the bar for wireless and VOIP providers.