Outlook Dim for Revised Accounting System Needed for Changing Telephone Industry

摘要

About 4 years ago, the Federal Communications Commission began to develop a new regulatory accounting system for the telephone industry. The existing system does not serve the information needs of the regulators or the industry, particularly with the trend toward competition. Progress on the new system has been slow and the outlook for its early implementation is dim. A myriad of problems remains to be solved. The Congress is considering amending the Communications Act of 1934 to allow less regulation and more competition for the telephone industry. Such legislation would increase the need to expeditiously develop a revised accounting system for the industry. This report recommends several ways to speed up progress, including formally appointing an overall coordinator, providing adequate resources, identifying specific user needs, and planning effectively. The Commission considered this report constructive and advised GAO of corrective actions it plans to take.