would like to do is discuss ways that the convention will strengthen protection for a global, undersea cable operator. in the telecommunications industry, during which time we've had both fixed and mobile networks domestically and internationally. as a major communications company utilizing the international sea bed to provide voice, video, internet and data services over a network of more than 80 submarine cables, verizon supports the u.s. ratification of the law of the se

operators to deploy, maintain and repair undersea cables. this is in violation of the convention. where the seat at the table, the u.s. can more effectively oppose these types of foreign encroachments and enforce the convention's freedoms to delay, maintain and repair undersea cables. second, ratification of the convention will help u.s. companies better contend with disruptions to undersea cables. for example, in march of 2007 large sections of two active, international cable systems in southeast asia were heavily damaged by commercial vessels from vietnam and taken out of service for three months. more than 106 miles of cable were removed from the sea bed and repaired at a significant cost. it would have been very helpful if the united states as well as affected u.s. companies including verizon has used the convention to arbitrate disputes over service disruptions and deter future violations. finally, the convention will help the united states government and affected governments when they attempt unlawfully to require licenses or permits before submarine cables can be laid or re

cost, existing in the underseas cable systems they raise the system of them posing similar requirements for the sole purpose of raising revenue at the expense of the cable operators and owners. bye signing on to the convention, the u.s. will have an enhanced ability to effectively support american parties to such dispute and express freedom to lay and maintain submarine cables and international waters without tolls, taxation or fees' levied by coastal states. once the u.s. is party to the convention, verizon and other u.s. telecommunications companies can work with the appropriate u.s. agencies to enforce the freedoms to lay and repair cables saving millions of dollars over the life of a cable system to this convention will improve the reliability of our critical infrastructure and put u.s. companies on a level playing field for operating international cable systems. in conclusion, senate ratification will provide confidence to u.s. companies and their underseas cable investments are protected by more specific and reliable international law. the convention will provide a tangible benefits to the united states through specific new protections for critical submarin