What's in a word? Only the future of communications
Article Abstract:
The House-Senate conference committee preparing the final version of the telecommunications bill must make one of their most difficult decisions as they seek to resolve the dispute between local and long-distance carriers. The bill states that local phone companies must have some competition before they will be allowed to enter the long-distance market. The local companies want the word 'competition' to stand alone, while the long-distance telephone companies are asking Congress to include a phrase such as 'viable' or 'meaningful' competition in the bill. The local telephone carriers claim that the long-distance carriers would use any such modifier as an excuse to engage in lengthy court battles to prevent their entry into the long-distance market. The committee seems to be favoring a clause without adjectives and would only require that the local companies have competition from one carrier that owned its own telecommunications network.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
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Split in G.O.P. suggests delay on phone law
Article Abstract:
House GOP members are divided into two camps as the chairmen of the House Judiciary and Commerce committees are planning to draft competing proposals for a comprehensive new telecommunications bill. The recent actions are uncharacteristic of the solidarity Republicans have shown in their first 100 days in session and may impede the chances for passing any telecommunications legislation in 1995. The Senate is also experiencing a similar division in Republican ranks. The Senate Commerce Committee recently approved a sweeping proposal that would facilitate competition among local telephone companies, long-distance carriers and cable television providers in each others' markets. However, the Senate Judiciary Committee says it wants to review the proposal and will hold its own hearings in mid-May 1995.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
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