AT&T next to seek business broadband deregulation

AT&T NEXT TO SEEK BUSINESS BROADBAND DEREGULATION
[SOURCE: Reuters]
AT&T said on Tuesday it will swiftly follow the lead of rival Verizon Communications and ask the Federal Communications Commission to lift regulations on its broadband data services for business clients. "I think it will be pretty close to what Verizon did," AT&T CEO Ed Whitacre said, referring to his plans to file a petition like the one by Verizon that sought deregulation. "I'm sure if Verizon has it, we'll get it too." Whitacre appeared to get quick support from FCC Chairman Kevin Martin who told reporters he wanted to offer regulatory relief to further investment and deployment of broadband networks. "I'd be supportive of others who want to have the same kinds of opportunities to invest in their networks," Chairman Martin said. Industry analysts said Verizon's competitors are likely to mount a legal challenge to the FCC's deregulation of high-capacity networks like Ethernet and Internet-based virtual private networks. However, the FCC action could pave the way for other dominant local telephone companies like BellSouth to seek similar deregulation. In asking the FCC to lift the regulations, Verizon offered to continue contributing to the Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes communications services for schools, libraries, rural areas and poor households. Whitacre said AT&T would be willing to do the same. "I'm sure we would, sure," he said.
http://news.com.com/AT38T+next+to+seek+business+broadband+deregulation/2...