Ample Competition? The FCC Thinks Not

FCC denies Verizon’s rate-relief request

“Federal communications regulators on Tuesday denied a petition by Verizon Communications Inc. that was seeking relief from government rules over how much it charges rival phone companies to access its network in six cities.

The Federal Communications Commission said “the current evidence of competition does not satisfy” its standard with any of Verizon’s requests.”

So… why do people like Scott Cleland continue to insist the opposite is true?

There seem to be additional, contradictory statements;

‘Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president for public affairs, policy and communications, said in a statement “If the FCC had approved these petitions, it would have permitted Verizon to provide network facilities at commercial rates,” he said. “Instead, the commission missed an opportunity to promote and encourage facilities-based competition by continuing to require one of the network providers in these markets to sell unbundled facilities at government-mandated, subsidized prices.”‘

‘Rep. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., chair of the House telecommunications and Internet subcommittee, said in a statement that he has “vigorously argued against granting this petition because it would have led to a dramatic reduction in innovation and a hike in the prices consumers pay for both traditional telecommunications and broadband services.”‘

Isn’t it amazing how two intelligent men can disagree so sharply? Bet one has more to lose… :)