A challenge to telephone monopoly

Article Abstract:

Metropolitan Fiber Systems Inc, a small privately-held telecommunications company, has applied for the right to provide business customers in Chicago, IL telephone services similar to what Illinois Bell is providing. The company's move is the first response to an earlier proposal by Terrence L. Barnich, chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, to make Chicago into a 'telecommunications free-trade zone' that could trigger competition. The Teleport Communications Group of Staten Island is also expected to apply for a license. Both Metro Fiber and Teleport provide dedicated telecommunications services to small and large businesses. A critical aspect of Metro Fiber's application is unbundling or separating various services offered by Illinois Bell and other phone companies. Without unbundling, small companies will not be able to compete effectively against giant companies' control of both 'switching' and 'transport.'

Laws, regulations and rules, Telecommunications systems, Chicago, Illinois, Competition, Government Regulation, Telecommunications Service, Telecommunications Services Industry, Teleport Communications Group Inc., Metropolitan Fiber Systems Inc., SBC Ameritech Illinois

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BellSouth, Dow Jones, plan service

Article Abstract:

BellSouth Corp and Dow Jones & Company are planning to test-market a new information service for cellular telephone users. The Personal Info Clips service will be available starting Mar 16 1992, and will make use of the 20-member staff of the Dow Jones network. The staff produces stock quotations and business news for other pay services available through regular telephones. Up to 5,000 customers in the Los Angeles area will have access to frequently updated 30-second reports for $2.25 a month plus the cellular air time of between 20 and 40 cents a minute. In 1991, the Federal courts decided that the 1984 accord banning the Bell Regional Holding Companies from offering information services hurt technological innovation. Telephone carriers are now beginning to offer more information services on a consumer level.

Newspapers, Radio & TV communications equipment, Periodicals, Product development, Information services, BellSouth Corp., BLS, Dow Jones & Company Inc., Strategic Planning, Cellular Radio, Test Markets, Personal Info Clips (Telecommunications service)

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