Telecommunications Act of 1996: A mistake?

[Peter Grimm]

Until 1984, local governments kept cable prices in check. Then deregulation resulted in a torrent of price hikes, interrupted only by a brief period, 1993-1996, when rates were regulated.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 opened the flood gates to deregulation and more price hikes. Since passage of the 1996 Act, cable rates have increased by 59 percent—almost three times the rate of inflation—according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What say you? Was it a mistake? What should be done?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunications_Act_of_1996

 

[PeteEU]

Yes and no. From what I have read on the law, the intentions were good, but the execution, accountability and transparency of the whole thing is ridden with corruption and corporatism.

 

[Fisher]

The cable fees subsidize the other things they have gotten involved in since then like internet and land-line telephone service, and sometimes cell service. I don't like one service subsidizing another, but that seems to be the way it works.

 

[cpgrad08]

If they change it they should also include a part that removes the FCC or limits it's power.

 

[DVSentinel]

Umm, you get cable? cool.

 

[Peter Grimm]

Umm, you get cable? cool.

Cable internet, yo.