Local operators are standing by; after the Bells and their new rivals have it out, consumers will get an earful

Article Abstract:

Competition in the telecommunications industry is expected to offer consumers a variety of new services and pricing options, but the situation is turning chaotic. The idea is to offer customers choices in long-distance services, similar to those they now enjoy in choosing local telephone services. Regional Bell operating companies (RBOC) entering the long-distance market will also experience increased competition as the long-distance carriers enter their local markets. The FCC is expected to propose rules of engagement by Aug 8, 1996, but most RBOCs are already negotiating such issues as prices, task responsibilities and services. AT&T is concerned that customers of its local services should not be aware that their calls are being carried by another company's wires. The main concerns are the prices the RBOCs should charge for access to their networks and the marketing methods employed by the new entrants in the local markets.

Long Distance Telephone Svc, Forecasts and trends, Marketing, Industry trend, Long distance telephone services, Long-distance telephone service, Market Entry

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States plan to sue FCC on jurisdiction over Bells; local phone company access fees at issue

Article Abstract:

Several state regulators intend to sue the FCC for requiring local phone companies, or Bells, to open their networks to new competitors in exchange for access to the long-distance market. The lawsuit contends that the FCC violated its jurisdiction in telephone deregulation, according to FCC officials and industry executives. Filing may take place imminently in the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in St. Louis. The disagreement centers on interconnection charges that the Bells apply to new rivals for network access. A ruling against the FCC could erase the agency's influence in opening the $100 billion local phone market, according to a senior government official. Previous FCC plans to impose uniform national interconnection charges were overturned in Jul 1997 by the St. Louis court, which ruled in favor of state jurisdiction. The FCC filed an appeal, and the interconnection charges case may reach the Supreme Court.

Usage, Cases, United States. Federal Communications Commission

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Sigh of relief greets new telephone rules

Article Abstract:

The FCC announces rules for local telephone companies that define how long distance and other communications companies will be able to enter the local telephone service market. GTE, the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOC) and other local telephone companies are relieved to finally have the 700 pages of rules and regulations first promised when President Clinton signed the Telecommunications Reform Act of 1996. The FCC's rules require the local companies to allow competitors to access their telephone networks and provide network leasing rebates to those same companies. However, local companies are enthusiastic the FCC is studying how to modify network access fees instead of deciding to eliminate the fees. Competitors want the FCC to erase access fees but local companies derive substantial income from those charges. The FCC is preparing for fierce lobbying from both parties over the issue.

Laws, regulations and rules

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