Split decision; a debate on the merits of freeing up the networks

Article Abstract:

Two telecommunications experts discuss the impact of local-telephone competition. A. Michael Noll, a University of Southern California professor and former Bell Labs researcher, debates upstart local telecom e.spire Communications' CEO, Jack Reich. Noll argues that private, regulated local-telephone monopolies can serve customers effectively, and that technological advances rather than competition lower long-distance prices. Reich counters that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has allowed business customers and residences to choose from numerous alternative carriers' local services. The Telecom Act has failed to boost competition in the local market, Noll says. It instead has raised cable rates and telephone bills because of subsidies and other intervention efforts. A lack of regulation would limit power to a few monopolies and stifle creativity, Reich says.

Telephone Communication, Management, Telecommunications services industry, Forecasts and trends, Interview, Science and technology policy, Market trend/market analysis, Local telephone services, Local telephone service, Telecommunications Industry, Noll, A. Michael, Reich, Jack

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MCI to sell concert stake to partner

Article Abstract:

British Telecommunications PLC (BT) has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire MCI Communications Corp.'s stake in their Concert Communications Services joint venture. MCI's stake comes out to 24.9%. BT is acquiring the stake for $1 billion. The move essentially ends the relationship between MCI and BT. Concert was created in a 1993 joint venture between MCI and BT.

Comment:

BT to acquire MCI Communications Corp.'s 24.9% stake in their Concert Communications Services joint venture for $1 billion

United Kingdom, United States, Asset sales & divestitures, Acquisitions & mergers, Foreign operations, Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Company Planning/Goals, Telephone Communications, Telephone services, British Telecommunications PLC, MCI Communications Corp., Article, Concert Communications Services

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