Shift Seen in Telecom Regulation

The telecommunications industry is bracing for a new era of increased regulation. New congressional leaders as well as policy makers in the Obama administration are expected to press for fresh limits on media consolidation and require phone and cable firms to open their networks to Internet competitors, lobbyists and industry officials say. Two pivotal figures will be Sen Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Rep Henry Waxman (D-CA). Their ascension marks a fundamental shift towards more activist regulation on telecom and other regulation. Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) also is expected to play a significant role on telecommunications issues while Sen Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) is expected to take a larger role in telecommunications policy. Sen Snowe is a moderate lawmaker who often sides with Democrats on industry regulations.