baby bells

States Waking Up to AT&T, Verizon Franchise Reform Con

Lindsy Embree — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:13:26 -0400

Full article: Broadband Reports
Karl Bode
The "franchise reform" bills the baby bells have been pushing state-by-state promise lower TV prices, but are little more than legislative wish lists that erode consumer protections and make lobbying easier for carriers. Consumers in those states are waking up to the game companies like AT&T and Verizon have been playing.

FCC Cleans Up Forbearance Process

Lindsy Embree — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:37:13 -0400

Full article: Broadband Reports
Karl Bode
Baby Bells often argue that their markets are competitive now, and that they should no longer be required to share network access with competitors at protected rates. The carriers often game the forbearance request process to get what they want from the FCC, usually to the detriment of smaller competitors. The FCC has now made it more difficult for them to do so.

Google's Cerf Says Baby Bells Act Like Tots Having Tantrums

Stevie Converse — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:43:05 -0400

Full article: Broadband Reports
Karl Bode
Vint Cerf, co-creator of the TCP/IP protocol and chief Internet evangelist at Google, says the telcos generally act like children having tantrums. "I'm not going to build this system unless you give me three scoops of ice cream and a pony."