FCC opens phone sector to cable firms
Article Abstract:
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) votes to permit cable television companies to enter the telecommunications services industry. The move was prompted by Cox Enterprises' and Tele-Communications Inc's desire to purchase Merrill Lynch Group's Teleport Communications Group. The 5-0 vote was not a surprise to industry observers, however the ruling is expected to be interpreted broadly. With federal regulation out of the way, cable companies will need to negotiate extensive changes in state telecommunications regulations. Cable companies lack the infrastructure to move immediately into the telephone business and will need to acquire or build fiber optic networks or develop wireless technology. The sale was opposed by the United States Telephone Assn, which argued that US law prohibits a cable television company from providing communications services in the same market.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
FCC moves to open up a portion of radio spectrum to new services
Article Abstract:
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) votes to allocate 220 MHz of the radio spectrum in preparation for new wireless technologies, which are likely to appear during the 1990s. Pocket telephones are an example of the sort of new technologies that are expected. The FCC also reserves a small portion of the spectrum for interactive television. The FCC's decision in this area is especially good news for companies such as TV Answer Inc (Reston, VA), which has developed a wireless system that provides a way for customers to participate in interactive television programs. Proposals to allocate frequencies for such purposes as these generate political controversy because police, fire and other vital communication systems would be forced to move to higher frequencies. The result, some say, is considerable expense and unreliable communications.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: FCC pushing phone service that delivers cable TV. FCC drops rule that Bell companies set up units for information services
- Abstracts: FCC votes to open local phone firms to competition by fledgling networks. MCI to revamp units, may cut 1,500 staffers; rival firms, slow economy are factors; costs seen for 'several quarters.' (MCI Communications Corp.)
- Abstracts: IBM is seeking to force ouster of Lotus board; move puts intense pressure on the software maker to negotiate sale pact
- Abstracts: Phone machines answer threat of voice mail. LSI Logic plans to tailor chips in new strategy
- Abstracts: FCC requires firms to report phone outages. Telephone service seems on the brink of huge innovations; Baby Bells and cable firms vie to win video market and add host of services; preening for video phone call