Telecom revamp may cost cities

Local governments are bracing for a rough Congress next year, with an eye
on telecommunications legislation that could impact their bottom lines.
"Local governments’ interests were and are under attack in Washington and
in the state legislatures.

Absent a unified and strong response by local
government (and where possible, with state government groups), matters will
only get worse in 2005 and 2006," according to a report prepared by the
Local Government Telecommunications Alliance. The seven-page report
indicates that Congress will come under pressure from industry next year to
limit state and local oversight of Internet protocol-based services,
whether voice, video or data.

The report explains that events in 2004 sent
"a not-so-subtle message to local government" that Congress might pass a
new law that shields IP service providers from state and local regulation,
except in the areas of consumer protection and emergency services.

[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA490768.html?display=Top+Stories&referral=SUPP
(free access for Benton’s Headlines subscribers)