Sen. Hollings (D-S.C.) and Rep. Tauzin (R-La.), leaders of Senate...
Sen. Hollings (D-S.C.) and Rep. Tauzin (R-La.), leaders of Senate and House Commerce committees, have introduced companion bills that would strengthen limitations on foreign govt. ownership of U.S. communications companies. Although Hollings and Tauzin are known for their contrasting…
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opinions on how to regulate -- or deregulate -- Bell companies and broadcasters, they agreed that recent push to bolster domestic security must extend to nation’s telecom infrastructure. Hollings said Nov. 8 that bills were nearly identical to one he introduced last year in wake of acquisition of VoiceStream Wireless by Deutsche Telekom (DT): “The legislation I introduce today will bar outright the transfer or issuance of [telecom] licenses to providers who are more than 25% owned by a foreign government. It would also bar the transfer of such licenses to companies controlled by a foreign government.” Tauzin said that “notwithstanding our concerns,” FCC in April approved DT- VoiceStream transaction, then later approved SES-Astra acquisition of GE Americom: “This legislation does not break new ground, but rather simply reaffirms, in no uncertain terms, that the telecommunications, broadcast, broadcast and Internet facilities that underlie our freedom of speech and our economy cannot be made vulnerable to the actions of foreign governments.”