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House Approves Rewrite of Telecom Bill
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- A plan to modernize Illinois telecommunications law and lift most government regulation of land lines has passed the Illinois House.

Backers say the measure will encourage development of broadband services and create jobs.

AT&T controls most land-line telephone service in Illinois. The company says heavy regulation keeps it from investing money into newer technology, so Illinois is losing out.

The measure passed 118-0 Wednesday and heads to the Senate.

Consumer groups like the Citizens Utility Board say deregulation eliminates consumer protections, possibly leading to poor service and rate hikes.

The telecom law was written well before the widespread use of cell phones and broadband.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
05 06 10 by Newsroom
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