Pursuing Al Sikes's grand agenda: the F.C.C. head must battle special interests and unite the commission

Article Abstract:

Alfred C. Sikes, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) foresees a world in which high-tech communications are ubiquitous: people will use satellites and fiber-optic channels to take courses at home; television receivers will function as multimedia computer workstations; and communications networks will make it possible to track down a person anywhere on the planet or to transmit entire databases from one place to another in seconds of time. Sikes's plan to encourage such developments is a sweeping one: he wants to open space on the airwaves for new services ranging from interactive television and satellite messaging to pocket-sized radio telephones; he wants to end the practice of assigning valuable licenses through lotteries; he wants to get rid of regulatory barriers between various kinds of services; and he wants to lift restrictions on Bell companies while opening their networks to rivals. To accomplish what he wants, Sikes will have to overcome formidable opposition from various interest groups.

COMMUNICATION, United States, Laws, regulations and rules, Deregulation, Telecommunication policy, Telecommunications policy, Telecommunications, Government Regulation, Sikes, Al

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Upstart rivals are gaining on local phone companies

Article Abstract:

Upstart telephone companies are providing competition for local telephone companies and long-distance carriers, and the new companies apparently aim to provide businesses with all their telecommunication needs. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a ruling that would allow these companies to connect into established telephone networks. Industry analysts note that these rival telephone companies face an uphill battle with regulation, credibility and venture capital. Rival telephone companies contend that they offer more reliability than local telephone companies and attempt to lure corporate clients with fiber optic technology and aggressive pricing.

Telephone communications, exc. radio, Management, Telephone companies, Venture capital, Strategic Planning, Telephone Company, Telecommunications Industry

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