CWA Policy on Local Competition, Investment, and Universal Broadband Services
Competition must encourage network investment. CWA supports facilities-based competition with service provided by career union workers. Competition between different companies using various technologies to build out high-speed broadband networks will drive job growth in every segment of the industry (network, customer care, and equipment manufacture) and provide real consumer choice.
Competition must promote quality universal service. Public policy has long supported universal affordable quality telephone service to all Americans. We must strengthen and build upon those policies to encourage investment in broadband networks and to ensure that all Americans have affordable access to quality high-speed Internet services.
Competition must take place on a level playing field. Rules and regulations implementing competition must not advantage any service provider or technology. The same rules must apply to all broadband services, regardless of the technology. Resale prices must allow network owners to recover all costs. With fair rules, the companies with the best service and technology will win in the marketplace.
Competition must be based on superior technology and service, not on low wages or abuse of labor law. Regulations must hold service providers to high quality standards. Quality service depends on skilled, career union employees.
