One bill would let telephone and cable companies into each others' businesses. The other would allow regional phone companies to offer long-distance service and manufacture telecommunications equipment. Both easily passed the House on Tuesday.
The U.S. Senate has its own version of the bills, which some large phone companies strongly oppose. The Senate Commerce Committee plans to vote next month on one bill, which would make it more difficult for regional companies to provide long-distance services. The bills of the two houses need to be reconciled before they can go to the president for signature.
Backers say the House bills will lead to more rigorous competition and lower consumer prices. They said the bills' incentives for companies to build advanced telecommunications networks should bring consumers a wider choice of services -- some not yet imagined.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.