AT&T gets more flexibility to change small-business long-distance rates

Article Abstract:

The FCC has made some significant decisions involving AT&T's long-distance rates and Bell Atlantic Corp's video programming services. The FCC's new ruling frees AT&T from having to wait 45 days before changing rates for its commercial customers. AT&T had already been relieved of the restriction for its large business customers in 1991; the new ruling will apply to AT&T's smaller customers. The FCC's action may have an impact on AT&T's competitors in the commercial market that can currently change rates with one day's notice. In a separate ruling, the FCC has approved Bell Atlantic's request to provide video programming to customers in a six-month market trial. The agency's decision has been met by heated debates from the cable TV industry. Under the ruling, Bell will be able to fill half of its video lines with its own programming, but will have to offer non-discriminatory access to outside programmers.

Telecommunications, Telephone Communication, Services, Internet services, T, Cable television, Bell Atlantic Corp., BEL, Cable television/data services, American Telephone and Telegraph Co., Government Regulation, Pricing Policy

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FCC plan to overhaul fees fuels battle between local, long-distance concerns

Article Abstract:

The FCC released Dec 24, 1996, a preliminary proposal concerning steps it will take to revamp the fees local telephone companies charge to give long-distance carriers access to customers. The FCC is expected to issue its official plan by May 1997, in compliance with Congress's mandate to open all telephone markets to competition. Currently, local phone companies collect around $23 billion per year for these access fees. The FCC is considering two options: re-think and reduce the FCC-controlled access charges or let market forces settle the charges without the FCC. The long-distance companies favor the former plan, while local phone carriers favor the latter. The access fees are the largest single source of revenue for the local carriers, and many analysts believe if the access fees are lowered or taken away, these companies will ask state regulation boards to raise basic service rates.

Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Long Distance Telephone Svc, Telephone communications, exc. radio, Local Telephone Service, Telecommunications regulations, Telephone company, Telephone companies, Deregulation, Local telephone services, Government communications regulation

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