Abstract

Though the growth of broadband has increased dramatically in the last decade, asymmetric government regulations are impeding its continued growth. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has placed additional regulations on advanced telecommunications capability services (broadband). This report will show that asymmetric government regulations have limited the future growth of broadband by local exchange carriers (LECs1). Broadband technology has had a significant impact on today's Internet culture because it has changed the way that we work and use the Internet as a means for communicating. Most of the broadband regulations only apply to the telephone incumbents as compared to cable, satellite, and wireless. The contrasting (asymmetric) regulatory treatment of these services harms consumers, contributing to higher prices, and in many cases denying them a choice of provider. It is the intention of this thesis to show how asymmetric regulation has slowed further broadband growth with regards to incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) "last mile"2 connectivity to consumers. There are changes needed to current policies that would encourage growth. These guidelines will stimulate competition, promote capital spending on new broadband technologies, and allow for additional capital expenditure by the ILECs within broadband. Congress and the FCC should equalize the regulation of broadband service providers so consumers can obtain the benefits of free and open competition.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Telecommunication policy; Broadband communication systems--Law and legislation--United States

Publication Date

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Information Sciences and Technologies (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Information Sciences and Technologies (GCCIS)

Advisor

Larry Hill

Advisor/Committee Member

Ron Fulle

Advisor/Committee Member

Jamie Winebrake

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at HE7645 .T54 2003

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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