Bell Atlantic to drop AT&T as builder of video network

Article Abstract:

Bell Atlantic will announce that it will drop AT and T as systems integrator on an interactive TV network, a move that significantly hurts AT and T's credibility in this field. The two companies signed a letter of intent in May 1994 to work together on the $5 billion, five year project. AT and T, which has been marketing itself as an expert in interactive video systems, would have served as systems integrator, allowing it to use its own equipment for many parts of the project. The deal went sour due to questions over price and project control. Bell Atlantic claims that AT and T related poorly with other contractors such as General Instrument Corp. Also, Bell Atlantic raised concern over being frozen out of the systems design process by AT and T, which would have made the country dependent upon AT and T. AT and T equipment will probably still be used in project, but at lower levels than under the previous deal.

Interactive CATV, Product development, T, Contracts, Bell Atlantic Corp., BEL, American Telephone and Telegraph Co., Cooperative agreement for product development, Alliances and partnerships, Interactive media, Interactive technology, Interactive television, Interactive video systems

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Conferees agree to keep limits on cable TV rates for 3 years

Article Abstract:

The first major bargain on the telecommunications bill emerges as backroom negotiations lead to a decision to retain regulation of cable television rates for three years. The decision is viewed as a concession to the Democrats since the cable regulation issue was one of several that earned the threat of a presidential veto. The cable industry is not fighting the provision because it wants the telecommunications bill passed so that it can enter the local telephone services market. The industry is pleased that the compromise eliminates a provision in the Senate bill that would have allowed the FCC to pursue any cable company that charged rates significantly above the national average. The compromise also contains a proposal that could give cable operators an edge over competitors by eliminating requirements that a cable company charge approximately the same rates to all it customers.

Internet services, United States. Congress, Cable television/data services

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G.O.P. to delay a vote on communications bill

Article Abstract:

Senate republicans are delaying for at least several weeks a vote on a bill that would redefine the country's telecommunications laws. The delay is partly because of criticism from VP Al Gore. The bill would allow local and long-distance telephone companies and cable television companies to compete in each other's markets. Putting off voting on the bill means the Senate probably will not take up the issue before it leaves for a two-week Easter recess. Proponents of the bill fear the delay could give opponents of the bill a chance to mount an offensive. VP Al Gore says the Clinton administration is against a provision that would lessen cable television price regulations and a provision that will allow telephone companies to purchase cable systems in their own markets. The administration also wants the US Justice Dept to play a larger role in the telecommunications market.

Telecommunications, Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Telephone Communication, Long Distance Telephone Svc, Telephone communications, exc. radio, Political activity, Long distance telephone services, United States. Congress. Senate, Gore, Albert, Jr., Government Activity

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