LETTER: Telecommunications updates benefit business

This session, the General Assembly will consider Senate Bill 447, the telecommunications modernization act.

In 1994, Connecticut was the first state to open its telephone market to competition, two years ahead of the federal government.

Sadly, we did not continue to keep pace when other states continued to modernize their laws as the industry evolved.

Connecticut trails every other state in modern, investment-friendly laws.

SB447 eliminates burdensome regulations, including the requirement that telecommunications and telephone companies file certain tariffs with the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

These tariffs increase the cost of doing business and are remnants of when the market was operated as a monopoly.

In addition, the bill clarifies for telecommunications companies when a document is considered filed, and eliminates certain paper versions of filings and notifications.

With updated regulations, other states' economies have received a boost from investments and jobs.

Connecticut can reap the benefits of telecom investments, but not unless we update our laws.

Passing SB 447 will send a clear signal to companies that Connecticut is a state worthy of important investment dollars.

Editor's note: Anthony Rescigno is president and chief executive officer of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.