US regulators mull changes to phone access rules

Thu Nov 5, 2009 5:42pm EST

* Seeking 45-day comment period, 30 more days for replies

* Wants analytical framework to study issue

* Group, backed by Sprint and T-Mobile, praises FCC

WASHINGTON, Nov 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Thursday said it was mulling whether changes are needed to regulations governing access to telephone lines largely controlled by telecom giants.

In many areas throughout the United States, only one telecom firm maintains the special access lines that connect to individual businesses. The vast majority of lines are controlled by Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N), AT&T Inc (T.N) and Qwest Communications International Inc (Q.N).

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