Bell Atlantic cleared to offer video programs; court ruling, if upheld, could revamp rivalry of phone, cable firms
Article Abstract:
Competition between cable television operators and telephone companies could be dramatically altered by a ruling by Federal District Judge T.S. Ellis III in Alexandria, VA. Ellis declared a provision of the 1984 Cable Act that bars telephone firms from selling video programming in their own service areas unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds. The ruling comes in a case brought by Bell Atlantic Corp. A cable industry spokesman says telephone companies should be barred from providing video in their own service areas because they would be tempted to inflate telephone users' bills. Several questions remain unanswered, including whether other telephone companies can proceed on the basis of Ellis' ruling or should seek rulings on their own, and whether the ruling lifts the ban of telephone companies acquiring cable operators in their own service areas.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
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FCC fee order to Bells leaves everybody mad
Article Abstract:
The FCC has ordered Baby Bells and GTE Corp to lower the access fees they charge long-distance providers by nearly $1 billion annually, but customers are likely to see a 2% or less decrease in their bill. The mandate comes after about a year of fighting over how to implement one of the most profitable telecommunications subsidies, but is not pleasing any of the parties involved. The Baby Bells claim the fee rollback is unfair and are mounting a challenge. James Cullen, a Bell Atlantic Corp vice chairman, claims the decision is arbitrary and says there will be an appeal. Consumer groups and long-distance companies claim the rate reductions do not go far enough. Analysts and Baby Bells agree that long-distance companies will likely keep much of the savings, instead of passing it on to consumers.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Phone firm faces Florida hearing in overcharge case
Article Abstract:
Advanced Telecommunications Corp (ATC) is being investigated by the Florida Public Service Commission for allegedly overcharging long-distance telephone service customers. ATC, which is the fourth-largest publicly held long-distance company in the US, is said to have overcharged customers by starting the billing meters before connecting the calls, a method that could add 10 percent to a call's cost. ATC does not dispute the charge itself, but claims that the rate filing with the Florida regulatory body permits this approach, allowing it to recoup connect costs. If the telephone company loses the case, it ATC may have to pay refunds.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1991
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- Abstracts: Bell Atlantic hopes to cut 1,200 jobs, will consolidate several phone lines. Telecommunications automation saps clout of phone worker strike
- Abstracts: Bell Atlantic, Southern New England post strong profit gains for 3rd period
- Abstracts: Bell Atlantic set to pay big fine in Pennsylvania. Ameritech is planning to concentrate on developing international markets
- Abstracts: Phone-card services are multiplying as rivalry intensifies among carriers. Static on the line; many telephone users are being 'slammed' in industry rivalry; their long-distance service allegedly is switched without authorization; AT&T assails MCI's tactics
- Abstracts: Stardent Computer to close, becoming one of largest venture capital failures