Deregulation of phones: the hard part: F.C.C. plan gets down to practical questions
Article Abstract:
The FCC plans to release a massive proposal for opening the $100 billion local telephone market to competition. The proposal is expected to raise numerous difficult questions about implementation of the measures. Congress mandated the completion of the proposal by Aug 8, 1996, spawning conflicts among lobbyists from competing industry groups behind the scenes. The sheer volume of unanswered questions illustrates the chasm between the concept of a competitive local telephone market and the actual practice. The new law passed by Congress requires local telephone companies to allow rivals to purchase services on a wholesale basis and attach to their networks, but determining the terms and prices has become a contentious issue. The established local telephone companies are lobbying to keep the requirements general, leaving sufficient leeway for negotiations. Potential rivals desire clearly defined guidelines.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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Nynex lets rival sell phone service
Article Abstract:
Regional Bell company Nynex has agreed to allow cable TV service provider Cablevision Systems to offer phone service in the Nynex residential market. The deal, which must still be approved by state agencies, would create the first regional competition for telephone customers between a telephone company and a cable TV firm. Analysts indicate that such competition could be beneficial for consumers by leading to lower rates. Cablevision's subsidiary Cablevision Lightpath will finish tests in 1995 and start service in 1996 in areas such as the New York borough of Yonkers. Nynex currently serves 7.5 million businesses and homes in New York state, while Cablevision provides TV service to about one millon subscribers in Long Island and New York City. The agreement requires the two companies to pay each other when their customers access the other firm's network.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
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