March 18, 2002 -- Bank of America issued a report on broadband deployment that concluded, "We think the premise that regulatory constraints are the major obstacles to aggressive DSL deployment is flawed. The (RBOC's) biggest problems are simply DSL economics, an inflexible shareholder base and a poor track record pursuing growth initiatives."

In response, Charlie Black, co-chairman of the Voices for Choices coalition, issued the following statement:

"This report shows the RBOC's real problem with DSL. The report doesn't just blow a hole in the Bells' arguments in favor of Tauzin-Dingell, it destroys them. Since this is the Ides of March, it seems only appropriate that such a credible and independent voice as Bank of America would demonstrate convincingly that the RBOCs' faults lie not with their stars, but with themselves.

"For years, these four monopolies have shown the classic signs of monopolists: greater concern for maintaining the status quo, and keeping competitors at bay, than actually rolling out high-quality new services that might be of use to consumers.

"As this document shows, what's remarkable in the debate over Tauzin- Dingell is the extent to which the truly independent voices have lined up solidly against the RBOCs. The high-tech community, state officials, and newspapers across the country -- all have lined in dramatic opposition to this bill.

"The Senate should give this special-interest grab the short shrift it deserves."

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