WASHINGTON, DC - The Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC) applauds the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for prohibiting video and broadband service providers from entering into anti-competitive exclusive service agreements with owners of multi-dwelling units.

“Consumers in single-family homes are increasingly enjoying the benefits of competition between multiple video, broadband, and voice delivery platforms. Today’s decision expands these benefits to consumers in apartments, condominiums, and other multi-dwelling units,” said TRAC Research Associate John Breyault. “Broadband competition allows consumers to more affordably access low-cost Internet-based Voice over Internet Protocol services as well as competing calling services offered by telecommunications and cable companies.”

The General Accounting Office found that in cities where a cable overbuilder operates, the incumbent cable company’s service prices are between 15% and 41% lower that in cities where no such competition exists. Seniors, minorities, low-income citizens, and people with disabilities occupy a disproportionate number of multi-dwelling unit households. The FCC's ruling will enable these overlooked residents to enjoy the benefits of broadband access and competitive video offerings.

ABOUT TRAC:

The Telecommunications Research & Action Center (TRAC), founded in 1983, is a Washington, DC-based non-profit membership organization that promotes the interests of residential telecommunications customers. TRAC’s staff researches telecommunications issues and publishes rate comparisons and consumer guides to help consumers make informed decisions regarding their telecommunications service options. TRAC can be found on the web at www.trac.org.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT:

John Breyault, TRAC, johnb@trac.org, 202-263-2943

ABOUT TRAC:

The Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC), founded in 1983, is a non-profit membership organization based in Washington, DC that promotes the interests of residential telecommunications customers. TRAC staff researches telecommunications issues and publishes rate comparisons to help consumers make informed decisions regarding their long distance and local phone service options. TRAC can be found on the web at http://www.trac.org.