Telecommunications Reform 2006: Big Telco vs. Big Cable vs. Public Interest

An Introduction

The long-promised era of digital convergence, high-speed or “broadband” internet, telephone, and video over a single wire, is upon us. Competition, actual and anticipated, is fierce among the major commercial providers of telecommunications services. The ability of a single provider to offer multiple services – broadband internet, telephone, video, and soon wireless mobile phones -- represents an attractive business opportunity for traditional telephone and cable companies to expand their markets.

There is a need for legislative reform to unify the disparate regulations that govern the historically distinct types of telecommunications providers and technology platforms. However, in many areas, industry’s desire to capture this business for themselves and increase their profit margins drives the current push for legislative reforms in order to gain an edge over their new competitors, eliminate public interest obligations, and even prohibit additional entrants into the market.

Continued: "Legislative Kaleidoscope" and "What's at stake?"

Main Topics:

Cable Competition vs Local Authority and Control

• The New Indiana Telecom Landscape
  

High Speed Internet Access

• Network Neutrality -- Internet at the Crossroads