Copyright 2002 The Columbus Dispatch Columbus
Dispatch (Ohio)
March 25, 2002 Monday, Home Final
Edition
SECTION: EDITORIAL & COMMENT; Letters To
The Editor; Pg. 06A
LENGTH: 327 words
HEADLINE: 'INTERNET FREEDOM' BILL HURTS PHONE
CUSTOMERS
BODY: The Ohio consumers'
counsel, the residential utility advocate, believes that a pending bill in
Congress stands to hurt telephone customers throughout our state.
While the bill has a friendly title, the Internet Freedom
and Broadband Deployment Act, it would allow former Bell
telephone companies to abuse their monopoly power by controlling the access to
and price of high-speed Internet services.
Today's
residential customers have an increasing need for high-speed access, and future
generations will find it a necessity. Furthermore, when businesses have access
to advanced telecommunication services, lower prices, faster service and a
stronger local economy can follow.
The Ohio consumers'
counsel strongly opposes the legislation. First, the bill will increase the
stronghold that Baby Bells, such as Ameritech Ohio and Verizon, have in the
local areas they serve. Under this bill, these companies could deny competitors
the ability to lease high-speed access lines and prohibit them from offering
services, including packages that bundle local telephone calling with high-speed
Internet.
Second, it would eliminate important
oversight responsibilities. As more and more consumers gain high-speed access,
the bill would end the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
over these services.
Finally, the bill guts the intent
of a very important law, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, that forced the
former Bell companies to open up their local markets before offering
long-distance and broadband services. Under the bill, these companies could
offer broadband nationwide regardless of whether their local customers have real
choices for telephone services, removing an incentive that promotes a fair, open
market.
Consumers interested in learning more about
telephone, natural gas, electric or water issues may call our office at 1-877-
PICKOCC or visit www.pickocc.org.
Document 8 of 16. 