FCC allows Verizon to deregulate broadband services.(CAPITOL BEAT)

Units, May, 2006

By failing to act by a March 19 deadline, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) let a Verizon "Petition for Forbearance" to deregulate its broadband services take effect. As a result, Verizon's broadband services will no longer be subject to rate regulation and other common carrier regulation. Importantly, the order does not affect traditional copper-wire-based voice telephone service. Also, the firm did not seek relief from universal service obligations, so it appears to still have a duty to extend service to a building or resident.

It is unclear as of mid-April how this will affect apartment owners because there is no written FCC order clarifying the relief granted and because Verizon's petition was ambiguous on some points. For instance, the initial...

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