 |
 |
|
News & Views From Oakland Press, December 17, 2009 As a Michigan-based technology company, over the past 10 years TelNet Worldwide Inc. has invested over $50 million of its own funds to usher in broadband service, cutting edge technology, supporting a broad array of Michigan businesses to better compete, and created jobs for 100 families. But certain Michigan lawmakers don't seem to care, value or understand what it takes to accomplish good things for our residents. Our legislators instead have passed a bill to give favored treatment to big, out-of-state phone companies like AT&T over Michigan-based companies. Gov. Jennifer Granholm should veto it. The measure, House Bill 4257, creates a new tax on telecommunication companies and forces local companies to artificially lower the rates they charge large, out-of-state providers, such as AT&T, to use their networks. Michigan-based companies now are forced to evaluate whether they will be able keep up the pace of investment that ensures Michigan has the best communication systems and broadband Internet services. Our communities sorely need this infrastructure in this information age. The legislature's action is poor public policy as it attacks competition, entrepreneurs, and small business - the very soul of our economy. Do we not want to attract and keep Michigan-based companies that advance our state? Or would we rather return to the days of telephone monopolies, poor service and high prices? That may be what AT&T wants, but it shouldn't be what our elected representatives want. Mark Iannuzzi TelNet Worldwide, Inc. Troy http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091213/SUB01/312139972/1077# ### For information contact: |
|
