Communications bill passes

Sept. 1, 1995

Communications bill passes

The House of Representatives handily approved a measure to grant telephone, cable and broadcasting industries almost unlimited license to compete in each other`s markets. The vote -- 305 to 117 -- has a margin wide enough to override a presidential veto. Last month, the Senate passed a far less deregulatory version by a vote of 81 to 18. The regional Bell telephone companies won the bill`s most hotly lobbied issue: securing approval to enter the long-distance market without first facing effective competition in their own markets. The long-distance carriers were opposed because they say the measure gives the regional Bells an unfair competitive advantage. Consumer groups warn that telephone rates will rise because of that provision. Implications for cable TV include lifting of federal controls on cable-TV prices. It will be harder for customers to contest rates, and local telephone companies are now free to buy local cable companies in certain cases and to offer cable-TV service to subscribers.

Sponsored Recommendations

April 9, 2025
As transceiver speeds increase, so do thermal challenges. Discover key insights into innovative cooling solutions that ensure optimal performance and reliability.
March 7, 2025
In today’s hyperconnected world, rolling out and managing profitable, high-performance networks for access and transport will require innovative architectural approaches. The ...
March 12, 2025
Join us for an engaging discussion with industry experts on the intersection of AI and optics. Moderated by Sean Buckley, editor-in-chief of Lightwave+BTR, this panel will explore...
March 25, 2025
Explore how government initiatives and industry innovations are transforming rural broadband deployments, overcoming cost and logistical challenges to connect underserved areas...