Bell firms, armed with $21 million, try to foster public outcry to lift legal restraints on services

Article Abstract:

The seven Bell regional holding companies will each contribute $3 million toward a marketing campaign to encourage the public to call for reduced restrictions on the telecommunications companies. The 'Stop Putting America on Hold' campaign will use print and television ads, direct mail, telemarketing, public opinion polling and community contacts to create public demand that the holding companies be released from restrictions on the type of business they should be engaged in. The restrictions are a result of the breakup of the Bell System in the early 1980s. The holding companies are barred from several businesses, including long-distance service, manufacturing telecommunications equipment and services offering news, weather and shopping over the telephone or via modems. Major telecommunications corporations AT and T, MCI Communications and US Sprint Co are opposed to the lifting of restrictions.

Laws, regulations and rules, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Marketing, Public relations, Regional Bell Operating Companies, Telecommunications, Legal Issues, Government Regulation, Marketing Strategy, Bell Regional Holding Companies

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Glassed houses: fiber optics promises a revolution of sorts, if the sharks don't bite: television, travel, even cities could be much affected, but big questions remain: Mr. Smoot projects an image

Article Abstract:

Fiber optic communications technology promises to change many facets of modern life, but so far the reality of the situation is that the technology faces many problems. Perhaps the biggest problem for fiber optics is the estimated $250 billion cost of installing a nationwide broadband network. Other questions involve the durability of fiber and who will profit from carrying the transmissions. One of the first areas to be affected by fiber optics will likely be television, where the quality and quantity of channels available will increase. Videoconferencing will also change dramatically, as fiber optics makes images nearly life-like.

Social aspects, Innovations, Industrial research, Fiber optics, Optical communications technologies, Social conditions, Optical communications, Research and Development, Future Technologies, Cost of Communications, Social Issue, Optical Communication

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