For the past 50 years, our nation’s telecommunications industry has given U.S. business a global edge in the marketplace. However, over the past decade, the U.S. has fallen way behind countries such as Canada and South Korea that have reformed their broadband industry regulations and supported new development and competition.

This problem stems from our 30-year-old regulation that prevents competition among cable companies. For years now they have been free to raise prices, as there are no other companies able to make a competitive offer. Video choice is the answer.

Local franchising regulations force companies like Verizon to negotiate separate contracts with every town they wish to offer video services, too. This not only prevents them from entering the market, but it also inhibits the creation of thousands of new jobs and raises prices in the process.

It’s time for our congressmen to make reforms, and change the channel on out-of-date regulation.

Cynthia Bodeen, Lewiston