FCC Considering Removing Some Regulations On Business Data Services Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The FCC may be on the verge of relaxing regulations on business data services, including how much they can charge customers. A vote is scheduled for April 19 on a deregulation plan that has been in the works for more than a decade.

Business data services are point-to-point connections used by businesses, non-profits and government institutions that need to send large volumes of data via secure lines.  Traditionally, the local exchange carriers that provide these services have been subject to price regulations.

In his proposal before the Commission, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said the proposed deregulation "recognizes the strong competition present in the business data services market and modernizes the commission's regulatory structure accordingly to bring ever new and exciting technologies, products and services to businesses and consumers."