'Baby Bells' opposed in bid to offer information services: a key lawmaker backs newspapers in a fight with their new rivals

Article Abstract:

Rep Jack Brooks (D-TX), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, opposes the regional Bell telephone companies's (RBOC) bid to lift the restrictions that have prevented telephone companies from owning and operating information services. In this political position, Brooks sides with newspaper interests and various other information providers who want the phone companies kept out of electronic-publishing services. The courts recently ruled in favor of the telephone companies. Consequently, newspapers and other interests have turned to Congress, hoping to reverse the situation by means of legislation. Telephone company executives say the US urgently needs an adequate telecommunications policy if the nation is to stay competitive. Freeing the telephone companies, they say, is the best way to achieve an efficient and competitive telecommunications policy.

Newspapers, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Political activity, Telephone companies, Newspaper publishing, Political aspects, Electronic publishing, Information services, Deregulation, Regional Bell Operating Companies, Legislative process, Telephone Company, Antitrust Laws, Electronic Publishing Industry, Legislation, Bell Regional Holding Companies, Brooks, Jack

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House votes to put stricter rules on '900' pay-call phone services

Article Abstract:

The House of Representatives approves a bill requiring 900 telephone number service providers to disclose their prices to customers. The bill also requires the telephone companies to allow users to dispute their billing problems more easily. A similar bill has been passed in the Senate, and the Federal Communications Commission already has adopted several of the bill's provisions. The bill that the House has approved includes tighter regulation of companies providing telephone services over long-distance lines. Such services include news, sports scores, job listings and medical advice from doctors. The new regulations also prohibit telephone companies from disconnecting service to customers who dispute bills incurred by use of 900 telephone numbers.

Audiotex, Audiotext services, United States. Congress. House, Pay-per-call services, Pay per call services

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