Top > Webmaster > 2006 > June > 2006-06-16

New Communication Bill Passed by House

The House of Representatives passed a new bill last Thursday to open the communication mark to more competition. The new bill will possibly save American consumers hundreds of dollars each year. Telephone companies will have an easier time entering the subscription television market, with the process of having to negotiate with each municipal at a time is now cancelled.

"This legislation can increase competition not only for cable services, but also unleash a race for who can supply the fastest, most sophisticated broadband connections that will provide video, voice and data services," said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton, R-Texas. The new communication bill might change thing for the online market as more companies fight over communication services.

Although the bill is aimed at offering communication services at lower costs for the public, it does not address the issue of "net neutrality" appropriately. Communication companies will be able to create online "freeways" and "toll lines" that will make people pay more for online access. Further legislation should take place to address this issue in upcoming months.