US Telecommunications Law

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the regulation of the provision of telecommunication Services and the operation of telecommunication networks in the US. It begins by giving a brief history of the American approach to the regulation of switched, cable, Wireless, satellite, broadband, and IP networks and services. It then provides an overview of the numerous governmental bodies involved in the regulation of the US telecommunications market. It summarizes the licensing requirements under the communications Act of 1934, and briefly explains the US approach to certain key regulatory issues: access, interconnection and related measures, including network neutrality, spectrum management, universal service, the application of competition law to the sector, and communications privacy.