House passes bill curtailing rules on phones and TV: networks losers: vote is 305 to 117 - chips to let parents screen programs

Article Abstract:

The House of Representatives approves a telecommunications bill that alters telecommunications regulation significantly, although not as radically as expected. Local telephone companies get the right to compete to offer long-distance services, as long as they can show that they have competitors in the local services market. Cable services no longer face rate regulation for their basic services. Broadcast owners may now own a cable system and a broadcast outlet in the same city. The original bill would have allowed broadcasters to own a range of media outlets, from cable to newspapers, in the same city. An amendment specifies that all new television sets must include either the V-chip, a chip that allows parents to block violent programming, or a comparable technology. The House bill must now be reconciled with a Senate version. One volatile topic will be deciding whether the government will try to control Internet traffic.

Internet services, Cable television, Long distance telephone services, Cable television/data services, United States. Congress. House, Long-distance telephone service, Digital television, Government Activity

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7 Bells with 7 agendas struggle to keep unified front on communications bill

Article Abstract:

The seven Bell companies are struggling to maintain a unified front as Congress prepares the telecommunications bill, but their separate interests strain the coalition. When questioned about a lack of unity, Bell executives vigorously deny that the coalition is threatened. A 1994 telecommunications bill nearing passage was killed after BellSouth and US West left the alliance. The latest rumors were sparked by a US West letter sent to some Congress members in which the company objects to provisions in the bill despite the fact that the coalition as a whole has approved the bill. The telecommunications bill began as an effort to free the Bells from the regulations imposed by the 1984 antitrust decree that divided the Bell System. Since becoming separate companies, the Bells have developed different strategies that make some welcome competition from long-distance carriers while others seek to prevent it.

Political activity, U S WEST Inc., USW, United States. Congress

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Court orders a stay on new F.C.C. telephone regulations

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in Saint Louis, MO, has ordered a stay on the new telecommunications regulations passed by the FCC on Aug 8, 1996, in order to give local telephone companies time to protest the rules. The rules, which are intended to open the local telephone service markets to competition, were supposed to go into effect on Sep 29, 1996. The telephone companies and the FCC are scheduled to present 15-minute arguments before the Appeals court on Oct 3rd. The FCC was not surprised at the court's ruling. The court is expected to review the arguments and render its decision on the case by the end of the year. The court could lift the stay after hearing the oral arguments but continue to consider the merits of the case.

Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Telephone communications, exc. radio, Local Telephone Service, United States. Federal Communications Commission, Local telephone services

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