Hurdles Multiply for Telecom Reform

HURDLES MULTIPLY FOR TELECOM REFORM
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
The Senate rolled out its version of a telecommunications-reform bill last week amid confident talk of passage that echoed similar boasts on the House side. But whether either has the momentum to make it to the president’s desk is still up in the air. The omnibus legislation promises to dramatically alter the regulatory landscape for media companies, spurring cable competition and giving clearer guidelines for the digital-TV transition. A much narrower House bill passed the Commerce Committee last week. Before telecom reform can become law, the House must decide if the Judiciary Committee shares jurisdiction. If it does, expect more hearings and committee votes before a full floor vote. The Senate version is only a draft and must still go through two hearings in late May and a markup in early June. If both bills are passed by the chambers, then differences must be hashed out in conference committee. Some Wall Street analysts see the bill’s prospects dimming, and one former high-ranking telecommunications regulator says he doesn't see how the bills could be reconciled in the time remaining.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6332379?display=News

See also --
* CDD's guide to the Communications, Consumer’s Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006
http://www.democraticmedia.org/news/washingtonwatch/StevensBill.html