Critics clamor for more controls in cyberspace

Article Abstract:

US companies and consumer advocacy groups are increasingly pressuring the government to impose controls on cyberspace. Internet advocates counter that regulation would hamper the growth of the worldwide network and limit technical innovation. Four regional Bell operating companies (RBOC) are complaining that Internet usage is overloading their telephone lines and they want prices increased. Internet advocates counter that there are other heavy users, such as telephone reservations systems, and contend that imposing fees would discourage Internet usage. The America's Carriers Telecommunication Association is asking the FCC to either eliminate or control the ability to make long-distance calls over the Internet. Representative Rick White, who represents the state of Washington, has twice tried to get Congress to ban the FCC from regulating the Internet.

Telecommunications regulations, United States. Congress, Government communications regulation

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Regulators may push WorldCom, MCI; sale of Internet holdings by one may be needed for merger approval

Article Abstract:

WorldCom or MCI probably will have to relinquish a substantial portion of Internet capacity before receiving merger approval from US and European antitrust enforcers, according to government officials. European regulators, who discovered that WorldCom-MCI would control more than 50% of backbone traffic, have told the companies they require the sale of either Worldcom's UUNet Technologies subsidiary or MCI's Internet business. WorldCom persuaded MCI with a $37 billion stock deal in 1997. Both companies are the two largest backbone operators, followed by Sprint and GTE. Karl Van Miert, the European Union's antitrust chief, said he will explain his position in a Jun 1998 meeting with US officials. European regulators hope to announce a joint decision with the US by its deadline of Jun 15, 1998, but the US review could take longer.

Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Antitrust law, United States. Department of Justice, Economic policy, WCOM, European Union, MCI Inc., Market domination, Market share, MCI Communications Corp., MCIC, Backbone networks, Backbone network, Government Regulation, Antitrust Issue, Van Miert, Karel

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FCC fight erupts over Internet access

Article Abstract:

Internet service providers, America Online Inc., U S West Inc. and others seek to persuade the Federal Communications Commission to grant them access to cable television's infrastructure. CATV companies seek to protect their franchise and investment in equipment as they begin to roll out their own internet and phone services.

United States, Cable Television Systems, Cable Networks, Cable and other pay TV services, Telecommunications services industry, Internet service providers, Telecommunications industry, Cable television broadcasting industry, Cable television

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