Powell Announces Plans for New Local Telephone Competition Rules

FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell announced his intention to write a new set rules that ensure access to incumbent local access networks "where competition is truly impaired." Powell said he would strive to adopt the new rules as soon as possible, and that the FCC was prepared to consider interim, transitional protections to bridge the gap.



Responding to letters sent to him from BellSouth, Qwest, SBC, and Verizon putting in writing commitments not to raise rates for wholesale access, Powell said: "The regional Bell companies have announced that they will not unilaterally increase rates and have guaranteed the status quo until the end of the year."http://www.fcc.gov