"This process is out of control"

"THIS PROCESS IS OUT OF CONTROL"
[SOURCE: Lasar's Letter on the FCC 9/20, AUTHOR: Matthew Lasar]
A Q&A with Tom Cohen, an attorney who represents competitive telecommunications outfits such as XO and Covad. A coalition of telecommunications companies launched a campaign to fight what they say are the efforts of big carriers to use Federal Communications Commission "forbearance" petitions to eliminate competition in their markets. The petitions allow incumbent companies like Verizon and AT&T to obtain FCC waivers from rules requiring them to offer their "local loops" to smaller companies at competitive rates. Critics argue that this maneuver deprives communities and local businesses of access to affordable and innovative new broadband services. "The Bells today are making forbearance petitions their tool of choice to eliminate regulations that foster competitive entry and a competitive marketplace ensuring choice for consumers," the coalition charges. "Yet, the Commission has never adopted rules to handle these critical petitions."
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