The FCC and Broadband Regulation

By David Baron
2003 | Case No. P45
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 provided a structure for the deregulation of the telecommunications industry from long distance to local service. In 2002 the FCC began its Triennial Review of the UNE requirement under the leadership of chairman Michael Powell, who was appointed by President George W. Bush. The Triennial Review pertained to unbundled network elements (UNEs) for both voice and broadband services. The FCC was required to make its decision by February 20, 2003. The case describes the FCC’s mission, the history of policy regarding UNEs from 1996, broadband technology, the broadband/content dilemma, the competitive landscape in broadband, and the interests of the ILECs, CLECs, cable operators, equipment manufacturers, and consumer and activist groups.
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