On September 2, 2009 I participated in a news conference at the Simpsonville Verizon Central Office about a major addition to the Verizon system for this area. The following is my statement released at the press conference. Several years ago Representative Harry Cato, as Chairman of the House Labor Commerce and Industry Committee, pushed through two bills that were designed to open up competition in the communications and technology markets. One of the bills included the ability to bundle those services so that the consumer could see a savings when those services were combined. Since that time I have been working with the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff, and Verizon to provide DSL service to this area in addition to their other services. I am pleased that Verizon has been able to work through the technical issues to provide this expanded service, and I am especially pleased for what this will mean for the residents of this area: enhanced market competition, increased service options, increased customer service, and cost savings.
