FCC seems to back long-distance firms over regional Bells on access charges
Article Abstract:
The FCC may reduce the access charges that long-distance providers now pay to local telephone companies. The regional Bell operating companies (RBOC) are concerned that the FCC's actions may cost them $10 billion per year, or about one-third of the $30 billion they annually collect from the charges. The FCC has completed a draft of the rules for regulating the telecommunications industry once all markets are opened to competition. A final version is expected to be approved by Aug 8, 1996. Details of the draft version have not been released, but the rules appear to favor the long-distance companies over local providers. The long-distance companies and the RBOCs are intensifying their lobbying efforts in Washington. Some legislators, including Speaker Newt Gingrich, are asking the FCC to delay a decision on the access charges until the situation has been explored in more detail.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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Telecommunications bill faces a vote today
Article Abstract:
The US House of Representatives will cast a final vote on a long-awaited telecommunications bill, after influential congressman are assured their concerns will be addressed in the bill's final version. Lawmakers will independently consider the validity of the television station provision of the bill, allowing the uncontested portion of the bill to finally draw nearer approval. Congress must determine the relative worth of the digital spectrum before establishing pricing guidelines for new licenses, which will be distributed via the FCC without an auction. The majority of the bill is designed to remove regulatory impediments and increase competition among cable, local and long-distance telephone companies. The extensive nature of the bill makes re-discussion of isolated topics a sensitive issue, and some lawmakers bray at the prospect of reassessing most provisions.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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Baby Bells lose bid to get U.S. to return data
Article Abstract:
US Federal Judge Harold Greene rules that the US Justice Dept does not have to return the numerous RBOC internal documents presently held in the department's possession. The Justice Dept can now freely release the documents to the FCC for review, and that organization will determine the extent to which the RBOCs may enter various long-distance telephone markets under provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The RBOCs are fearful that the Justice Dept may make the approximately three million sensitive financial documents available to the public. Greene's decision will provide the Justice Dept and the FCC with appropriate means for monitoring and predicting the effects of proposed telecommunications mergers.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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