Verizon Exec Urges Increased Technology Deployment

ATLANTA, June 5 -- The telecommunications industry needs to get the most technology into the hands of the greatest number of people as quickly as possible, said Verizon Vice Chairman Lawrence T. Babbio at SUPERCOMM. Babbio added, "For our industry to regain its momentum and to put the full power of communications to work in creating economic growth, we need to address new challenges -- technical, strategic, and regulatory challenges -- that are holding progress back."

According to Babio, the industry must come up with products and services that are convenient, controllable and secure and that enable consumers and business customers to benefit from new technology without stranding their existing telecom investments or disrupting customers' lives. The industry must continue to accelerate broadband deployment, and that means more than just DSL (digital subscriber line) deployment, he said -- the industry must create a new Internet architecture that drives the next round of innovation in the information technology business. He added that the industry needs a regulatory framework that encourages rather than discourages companies like Verizon from investing in broadband.