FTC Files Comment with FCC About Advanced Telecom Services

On September 25, the Federal Trade Commission staff filed a comment with the Federal Communications Commission about competition issues related to FCC's proposed framework for the development and deployment of advanced telecommunications services by the local exchange carriers (LEC).

The staff of the FTC often analyzes regulatory or legislative proposals that may affect competition or the efficiency of the economy. For example, the staff has submitted comments to the FCC on television and radio ownership rules and policies; competition, rate deregulation, must carry rule, and other cable television issues; spectrum allocation and standards for digital audio broadcasting; and the regulation of 900 number telephone services.

In its comment, the FTC staff addressed the trade-offs involved in using separate affiliates to provide advanced services, including wireline and broadband digital services. The staff also discussed ways the FCC may want to strengthen its separate affiliate rules if it intends to permit LECs to offer advanced services free from incumbent LEC regulation. The comment addressed the implications of the affiliate's use of the parent LEC's logo, name, trademarks, etc. and joint marketing between the LECs and their affiliates.

NOTE: The views expressed in the comment represent the views of the staff of the FTC's Bureau of Economics. They are not necessarily the views of the Federal Trade Commission or any individual Commissioner.

The Commission vote to file the staff comment was 4-0.

Copies of the full text of the comment are available from the FTC's web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-FTC-HELP (202-382-4357); TDD for the hearing impaired 1-866-653-4261. To find out the latest news as it is announced, call the FTC NewsPhone recording at 202-326-2710.

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(FTC File No. V980030)