Qwest Communications and AT&T have asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for forbearance from certain rules being applied to their broadband services. Qwest said its request does not apply to the broadband services it offers as part of its Internet access service, while AT&T said their appeal addresses the non-TDM broadband services they and other Bell companies offer.
Verizon was granted the relief by the FCC in March, upsetting competitive carriers who feared Verizon would no longer make Universal Service Fund contributions from its business broadband services proceeds. However, Verizon said they would continue making payments after the forbearance, as did Quest and AT&T in their recent request. An AT&T spokesperson said the provider's main concern was relief from common carrier rules so it can determine its own rates, terms and conditions for wholesale customers.
