FCC Approves Fiber-Optic Broadband Rules

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Monty Solomon <monty () roscom com>
Date: October 15, 2004 8:39:47 AM GMT+01:00
To: undisclosed-recipient:;
Subject: FCC Approves Fiber-Optic Broadband Rules

      FCC Approves Fiber-Optic Broadband Rules
      - Oct 14, 2004 08:29 PM (AP Online)

By JENNIFER C. KERR Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal regulators approved new rules Thursday
aimed at making high-speed Internet available to more Americans.
Critics contended the action will hinder competition in broadband
services and keep prices high.


The proposal lets the major regional phone companies build
fiber-optic networks to within 500 feet of a customer's home without
requiring the companies to share their networks with competitors.


Currently, the former Baby Bell companies do not have to lease their
networks for fiber that is installed directly to the home. The new
rule extends that regulation to within 500 feet of a residence.


BellSouth requested the change so it could build networks to just
outside a customer's home and reach more homes at once, rather than
having to lay down fiber to each household. In a statement, the
company said the decision would bring broadband service to more
consumers, more quickly.


Three members of the Federal Communications Commission approved the
plan in whole, while a fourth agreed to some parts and objected to
others. Commissioner Michael Copps, a Democrat, voted against the
rules.

...

      - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=44285047

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