No chance for real change

With Democrats assuming control of the U.S Congress, Washington is bracing for change. It doesn't look like that change will extend to telecom policy, however, at least to the extent that some long overlooked issues are addressed.

The Dems are known for being friendlier to the Net neutrality folks and more likely to look closely at mega-mergers than their Republican counterparts. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., who will head the House Energy and Commerce Committee under the new regime, has already suggested that the Federal Communications Commission delay its approval of the AT&T-BellSouth merger until the new Congress is in place and can put in its two cents worth.

But nowhere on the Democratic agenda that I can see is there any mention of addressing the penetration of broadband access in the U.S. or our global competitiveness in the telecom market. I have yet to hear any discussion of whether the U.S. will seek to enforce trade agreements that should prevent government subsidies of telecom equipment makers.

Among the many serious issues our nation faces, telecom doesn't rate. If anything, the transition of power will eliminate any possible action by a lame duck Congress before the Dems step in.

Dingell and fellow Democrats Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) will assume the leadership of key committees influencing, and all are far from political novices. It will be interesting to note what they can accomplish in the next two years and what they'll even try to do.

E-mail me at CWilson3@telephonyonline.com.