“FASTER IS BETTER”
On April 2, 2013, Pamela Lackey, President of AT&T South Carolina spoke to us on the topic of “Transitioning to an IP Economy.” The focus of her presentation was on how AT&T can modernize regulations to spur investment, “since customers are demanding faster and better technology.” Lackey exemplifies the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, in her everyday life. She is very involved in the community and currently serves as President of the State Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Palmetto Agrobusiness Industry.
Lackey oversees the regulatory, economic development, legislative and community affairs activities of AT&T in South Carolina. Almost 4 million American jobs depend on the wireless industry thriving. As President of AT&T South Carolina, Lackey strives to bring these jobs to South Carolinians by partnering with state and community leaders to improve technology in the State. Lackey tells companies to “bring your business to South Carolina because we are ready.”
The way the world communicates has changed dramatically since 1934 when Congress enacted the Communications Act, which provided for the regulation of interstate and foreign communication by wire or radio. In 1996, Congress overhauled the Telecommunications Act to provide for competition in market, paving the path for people to communicate in a number of ways and led to the development of new technologies such as the IP System. With alternatives, 500,000 consumers cancel their traditional landline service every month. Since 1999, there are 73% fewer landlines in use and wireless and satellite service have more than doubled since 2007. As a result:
· 1/3 of American homes are wireless only with no landline.
· 1/3 of American households use VoIP.
· 1/3 of American households have landline service.
Since 2010, Lackey reported that AT&T has invested over $800 million dollars to upgrade its network: “$130 million dollars of that has been spent in Charleston to upgrade to 4G, which has paid off in terms of speed and service.” Consumers are adopting new technologies faster than ever: IOS (Apple) and Android Systems were adopted 10 times faster than PC.
New technologies change how Americans do business. For example, farmers can manage their irrigation systems on their smartphones and physicians consult with other physicians on patient care using videoconference and emails. AT&T plans to spend $65 billion over the next three years to expand and upgrade the networks to be faster and better. Ninety-nine percent of customer locations in AT&T wireless service area will have advanced IP technologies.
To ensure smooth transition to all IP-based services, AT&T has proposed that the FCC conduct test trials to address potential issues or concerns. The company’s goal is to modernize regulation. Their philosophy is “Faster is better” and according to Lackey, “millions of Apps must be developed to meet the demands of consumers and keep America competitive.”
Reported by Abby Saunders, Keyway Committee