SENATE MEMORIAL 95

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Phil A. Griego

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO APPOINT A LEGISLATIVE INTERIM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES AND TO PROVIDE POLICY RECOMMENDATION FOR THE FAIR AND EQUITABLE GOVERNANCE AND REGULATION OF ALL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES.

     WHEREAS, telecommunications have become an integral and indispensable part of New Mexico society; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexicans depend on telecommunications for police and fire responses, emergency 911 responses and delivery of state, county and local government services; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico ranks last in service by competitive telecommunications companies with only eight percent of New Mexicans served by competitive telecommunications companies, while thirty-four percent of residents are served by competitive telecommunications companies in the neighboring state of Arizona; and

     WHEREAS, incumbent local exchange carriers are often heavily regulated, while most other telecommunications companies are not regulated; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's contrast of rural and low population density areas and urban and metropolitan areas presents challenges for telecommunications companies to provide services; and

     WHEREAS, regulations have presented problems for telecommunications companies to adjust and compete with new inexpensive technologies and devices; and

     WHEREAS, regulations have not prevented the loss of telecommunications services to thousands of New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, the fair and equitable governance of all telecommunications companies can increase service by competitive telecommunications companies, keep incumbent local exchange carriers competitive and benefit New Mexicans with affordable and reliable telephone, wireless, internet and other telecommunications services;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to appoint a legislative interim information technology and telecommunications oversight committee to study the regulation of telecommunications companies during the interim and present policy recommendation for the fair and equitable regulation of all telecommunications companies; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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