Nathan Gedge
From WikTOPIA
Here are the responses to candidate questions from Nathan Gedge.
Contents |
2008 Campaign for State House 42
Candidate Responses
- Do you generally support or oppose projects like UTOPIA and iProvo?
Response:"I am in full support of projects like UTOPIA AND iProvo and am hopeful that this type of project will eventually be implemented in the West Jordan (District 42) area."
- What is the basis for your support or opposition?
Response:"These projects serve a growing need of faster connectivity and offer a lower-cost option for high-speed Internet. These projects could also lead to an economic boom with the potential for high tech jobs to move to the area. This could also help our current transportation issues, as these products might increase telecommuting in the area – thereby reducing traffic on the roads."
- Is your support or opposition based on the general concept or specific implementations used in UTOPIA and/or iProvo?
Response:"My support of these projects is based on the general concept – using fiber optics has shown faster Internet connectivity and can be cheaper to the end user."
- What is your position on the regulation of incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) such as Qwest?
Response:"In order to avoid monopolistic situations, regulation of ILECs is necessary to protect consumers and insure fair practices and pricing. However, regulations should not be placed on companies that are detrimental to the operation of business and may lead to future competitors to avoid bringing service to the area."
- What is your position on the regulation of incumbent cable companies such as Comcast?
Response:"In order to avoid monopolistic situations, regulation of cable companies is necessary to protect consumers and insure fair practices and pricing. However, regulations should not be placed on companies that are detrimental to the operation of business and may lead to future competitors to avoid bringing service to the area."
- What role, if any, should the federal government play in allegations of unfair business practices leveled at incumbent carriers such as Qwest and Comcast?
Response:"The State of Utah should become involved in the regulation of unfair business practices only in situations where the Federal Government or local municipalities cannot prevent unfair business practices."
- What proposals or concepts do you support to bring better broadband access to rurals Utahns?
Response:"Better broadband access needs to be available in rural areas, mainly because of important services that are not available in the area (medicine, pharmacy, education) can be provided through telemedicine, telepharmacy and teleeducation. Unfortunately, most rural cities and towns in Utah cannot provide for the cost of implementing these types of services.
Federal government loans and grants and private business/foundation loans and grants should be obtained to subsidize this; however the State of Utah could implement a small surcharge or sales tax on Internet use to subsidize this."
- What proposals or concepts do you support to improve average broadband speeds to be better competitive on an international basis?
Response:"Competition amongst broadband providers will lead to improved average broadband speeds and services."
- What proposals or concepts do you support to increase competitive options for Internet, television and telephone services?
Response:"Local municipalities and chambers of commerce need to solicit other providers of services that are not currently offering services in Utah. By increasing the number of players, competitive options for services will increase and in theory, pricing (for the end-user) decrease.
I am also in favor of increased WiFi hot spots, especially in retail/commercial areas. This type of service may increase the economic outcomes of the businesses in the covered area."
- Do you have any other related comments you would like to add?
Response:"None"
FreeUTOPIA Position on Candidate
Positive
This candidate is strongly supportive of UTOPIA and iProvo and understands the advanced applications that can be used on such a network. He is also aware of the current anti-competitive environment in the telecommunications sphere and supports public/private cooperation to improve access, competition, services and pricing.
Mixed
N/A
Negative
N/A
Overall Rating
Positive (5/5). This candidate shows a strong grasp of telecommunications issues and flexible thinking that allows for a "best solution wins" mentality.
