Round Table

Posted: 12/2002

…on the Telecommunications
Ownership Diversification Initiative, giving sellers of telecom businesses a tax
deferral when their assets are bought for cash by other small business telecom
companies.

"It is critically important
that new entrants and small businesses have a chance to participate across the
broad spectrum of areas that make up the telecommunications industry. The
market-based incentives in this bill are the most effective way of leveling the
playing field between small business owners and CEOs of huge corporations trying
to purchase a telecommunications business."

–Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.),
sponsor of the bill

"We must all look for new tools
that will promote opportunity for new entry into telecommunications businesses.
This tax-based incentive system, designed to provide such opportunity while
avoiding some of the problems of past programs, would be a welcome addition to
the toolbox."

–Michael K. Powell, chairman,
Federal Communications Commission

"As communications media
converge, minority and economically disadvantaged businesses should be able to
fully participate in this vital sector of our economy. The Telecommunications
Ownership Diversification Act of 2002 provides tax incentives to facilitate
diversification of ownership in the communications industry, and it has the
cable industry’s strong support."

–Robert Sachs, president and
CEO, National Cable and Telecommunications Association