1、C Congressional Research Service 0 ? . A -, The Library of Congress Washington, D.C. 20540 TELEPHONE INDUSTRY ISSLTES IP25 7T The U.S. telephone industry continues the complex transformation it began in earnest on January 1, 1984, a s a result of the divestiture of the American Telephone and Telegra
2、ph Company. The former 22 local B e l l operating companies are now seven independent regional phone companies. These Baby Bells are actively seeking permission to enter into more and more non-phone businesses. Customers remain confused and angered by the restructured telephone industry. They have f
3、ound themselves with rising local rates, declining long-distance rates, access charges, installation and repair delays, lengthy telephone b i l l s , and do-it-yourself installation. Increasing rates have raised concerns about universal telephone service. A large number of major companies are now by
4、passing local and/or long-distance phone companies and are establishing their own communications networks. This Info Pack presents an overview of current issues associated with the deregulation of the U.S. telephone industry and includes a summary of the A.T.&T. divestiture. Members of Congress desi
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