Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 24, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke signs bills to promote rural telecommunications investments

MOSES LAKE — Gov. Gary Locke today signed into law three bills designed to spur development of advanced telecommunications systems throughout Washington, particularly in rural areas of the state.

Calling the telecommunications package the "linchpin" of his efforts to promote economic vitality in rural Washington, Locke said the three measures approved today will streamline regulations, encourage competition and promote telecommunications investment in rural areas.

"These bills represent an important step in ending the so-called digital divide between urban and rural areas of our state," Locke said. "In today's world, many businesses will not even consider investing in a community that does not have high-power, fiber-optic cable, digital switching, and other infrastructure necessary for on-line communications. These bills are the linchpin to opening the door to that kind of investment."

The three bills, all proposed by Locke at the start of the legislative session, encourage investment in rural telecommunications in several ways:

Facilitating investment and competition: Senate Bill 6675 will greatly increase the number of service providers in rural areas by authorizing Public Utility Districts and rural port districts to provide wholesale telecommunications services to retailers within their districts. This will promote competition within the retail market, and provide more choices for consumers.

Streamlining local regulations: Senate Bill 6676 streamlines the patchwork of local regulations that can hinder efforts to site telecommunications facilities in areas that need them most. Uniform standards are established that balance companies' need for timely decisions with local governments' concern over local rights of way and other issues.

Tailoring state regulations: House Bill 2881 removes barriers to investment by allowing companies to petition the state Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) for "alternative" rules that consider the specific needs of the company and its customers. Negotiated regulations will give companies greater certainty in making investment decisions.

Together, the three bills represent the greatest advance in Washington's telecommunications policy in more than a decade, Locke said.

"Whether in the area of business or education, we all benefit by staying at the forefront of the digital revolution," Locke said. "To continue to prosper and grow, it's essential that all areas of the state have access to modern technology."

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive