NC Lawmakers May End Local Phone Company Oversight

EMERY P. DALESIO

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina House decided to free local telephone service providers from state regulation that for decades made sure the companies justified their prices, responded to consumer complaints and maintained service standards.

The House on Wednesday voted 102-11 to allow 16 providers that cover the state to cut loose from state Utilities Commission conditions setting the rates, terms, and quality of their landline services.

Supporters said the phone companies need price deregulation because their former monopoly positions have been eroded under competition from wireless, Internet and cable television companies that are not regulated. ...