Corporation Commission begins deregulation study

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Corporation Commission is now studying whether to deregulate telephone company SBC.<br/><br/>The commission's report is to include an assessment of the strengths and

Monday, December 6th 2004, 10:50 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Corporation Commission is now studying whether to deregulate telephone company SBC.

The commission's report is to include an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the existing regulations. It's also to examine how deregulation would affect consumers, rates, competition, investment and the economy.

A bill to remove SBC from state regulation was dropped during the last legislative session. It was supported by SBC and opposed by AT&T and cable companies.

SBC controls more than 80% of telephone land lines in the state and opponents of the bill say it would lead higher rates.

SBC says deregulation would even out the playing field for all telecommunications providers and the consumer would ultimately benefit.