FCC ASKS ABOUT LIFTING EQUAL-ACCESS SCRIPTING RULE ON SOME CARRIERS

摘要

The FCC asked whether it should forbear from applying the equal- access scripting requirement to small and midsized carriers while it considers a petition by USTelecom for a waiver for members of those sizes. The rule requires incumbent local exchange carriers to tell potential customers they have a choice of long distance providers and to read a randomized list of available stand-alone wireline providers on request. The rule doesn't apply to wireless, cable or VoIP carriers. In 2007 the FCC granted Qwest, Verizon and AT&T forbearance from the requirement in an order easing structural rules for the companies. State consumer advocates opposed the 2007 order and are expected to fight USTelecom's petition