MMAC pushes for Telecom Modernization Bill

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) was among several Wisconsin business and technology groups applauding the advancement of the Telecommunication Modernization Bill in the state Legislature.
The MMAC praised a 12-0 vote Tuesday by the Assembly Utilities Committee and a a 6-1 vote by the Senate Utilities Committee last week in favor of Senate Bill 469/Assembly Bill 696.
The bill would modernize existing telecom regulations by placing all landline providers under a single set of rules.
The groups said the votes would help preserve and create jobs and improve technology infrastructure across the state.
Steve Baas, government affairs director for the MMAC, said the votes show that, “legislators don’t want Wisconsin to fall behind other states already welcoming technology investments. Passage of this legislation will send a needed signal that Wisconsin wants to attract tech businesses, jobs and investment at a time when the national and state economies are in a downturn.”
“Legislators realize that Wisconsin’s out-of-date telecommunications rules need to be modernized to encourage investment in Wisconsin’s broadband and telecommunication infrastructure and create and retain jobs,” said Tom Still, president of the nonprofit Wisconsin Technology Council.
Thad Nation, executive director of the nonprofit Wired Wisconsin, said the votes would “help promote increased access to new technologies, foster a more competitive market and encourage infrastructure development and job creation.”
– BizTimes Milwaukee