Rivals assail GTE on impact of bid for MCI

Article Abstract:

GTE has employed a full range of legal maneuvering attempts to stifle competition for its $28 billion MCI bid, according to rivals. The local-phone company, which defends its proposed acquisition as an effort to improve phone industry competition, has taken some legal action. GTE has sued to block federal laws that foster local competition and challenged state-imposed 'interconnection agreements' that permit new entrants to connect to its networks. GTE frequently has appealed states' orders to offer advantageous rates to new competitors. Another tactic has included seeking the same rules that exempt small carriers from opening their markets. GTE, with more than $20 billion in annual revenue, says the precedent applies to its smaller systems. Federal deregulation, passed in 1996, attempts to open local markets. Outgoing Justice Department Antitrust Division Chief Anne Bingaman characterized the GTE moves as 'scorched-earth litigation tactics.'

Telephone Communications, Company legal issue, Cases, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Company acquisition/merger, Telephone services, GTE Corp., GTE, MCI Communications Corp., MCIC

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AT&T, 2 Baby Bells trade accusations as Senate is set to consider deregulation

Article Abstract:

AT&T, SBC Communications Inc and Bell Atlantic Corp are involved in a growing war of words in the battle over telecommunications deregulation, maneuvering and posturing as Congress prepares take up the issue. The Senate is getting ready to look into a landmark deregulation bill that would allow Baby Bells to compete in the rich long-distance market segment and let rivals into monopolized local telephone service. SBC, formerly the Southwestern Bell Corp, filed a motion in federal court claiming that AT&T is stifling competition and prompting the court to rein in its former parent. AT&T filed an antitrust lawsuit against Bell Atlantic, stating the company has been engaging in actions with the intent of stifling competition in the middle-distance toll call market. Bell Atlantic answered by publicly accusing AT&T of attempting to maneuver around Congress and those involved in telecommunications policy.

Long Distance Telephone Svc, Laws, regulations and rules, Political activity, Telecommunications regulations, T, Long distance telephone services, AT&T Inc., Bell Atlantic Corp., BEL, Telecommunication policy, Telecommunications policy, Government communications regulation, United States. Congress. Senate, American Telephone and Telegraph Co., Government Activity

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