MFJ Task Force - 1/94


H.R. 3626 --

THE BROOKS-DINGELL BILL:                            
A SUMMARY

Goal: 

To bring America's telecommunications policy up to date
with developments in technology and the market, and to
encourage the private development of America's information
superhighway.

Staggered Long-Distance (InterLATA) Relief:

*Oversight of this phased entry goes to the FCC and
Department of Justice.

  - Immediately on enactment a Bell company could apply for
  authority to provide interstate services within the Bell 
  company's region, and long distance associated          
  incidentally with other services like wireless, video and 
  information services.
  - After eighteen months a Bell company could petition to 
  resell long-distance services.
  - After five years a Bell company could provide a full  
  range of long-distance services over its own facilities.

*Each state may determine how and whether to grant
interLATA relief for intrastate long-distance calls for a
Bell company.

Manufacturing Relief Following One-Year Moratorium:

 *One year after announcing intentions to do so, Bell
companies may design, develop and fabricate
telecommunications equipment in the United States through
separate subsidiaries.

 *Bell manufacturers must sell equipment to unaffiliated
carriers at the same price and on similar terms and keep
regulated telephone revenues separate, without subsidizing
manufacturing activities.

 *Bell companies must manufacture in the United States,
using U.S.-made components whenever possible.

 *The bill requires that advances in network services be
accessible to people with disabilities.

Electronic Publishing Restrictions:

*Bell companies may only participate in electronic
publishing through either joint ventures, so long as a Bell
company control does not exceed 50%, or separated
affiliates that keep local exchange personnel, financial
affairs and records separate.

*Bell local exchange companies may not provide electronic
publishing services disseminated by basic telephone service
controlled by the same company.

*Bell local exchange companies must provide equal treatment
for all electronic publishing companies.

*The "sunset date" on these requirements is June 30, 2000.

Alarm Services Restrictions:

*For five-and-a-half years, Bell companies may not provide
"traditional alarm monitoring services," although they may
carry others' alarm security monitoring signals over their
telephone lines.

*When the Bell companies finally enter the market, the FCC
will ensure that competition remains fair.