U.S. telecommunications deregulation and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (1980s–1998)

1. FCC adopts Computer Inquiry II framework

   May 2, 1980Labels: FCC, Computer Inquiry

   • History CompComm
   • Wikisource

2. AT&T and DOJ file breakup settlement

   Jan 8, 1982Labels: AT&T, U S

   • Justia

3. MFJ consent decree is finalized

   Aug 24, 1982Labels: MFJ, Regional Bells

   • MFJ overview

4. AT&T divestiture creates seven regional “Baby Bells”

   Jan 1, 1984Labels: AT&T divestiture, RBOCs

   • UPI Archives
   • Bell breakup

5. Cable Communications Policy Act deregulates cable

   Oct 30, 1984Labels: Cable Communications, Congress

   • Cable Act

6. Cable Television Act restores some federal cable oversight

   Oct 5, 1992Labels: Cable Television, Congress

   • Cable Act 1992

7. Telecommunications Act becomes law

   Feb 8, 1996Labels: Telecommunications Act, President Clinton

   • Congress gov
   • Library Congress

8. FCC launches local-competition implementation docket

   May 30, 1996Labels: FCC docket, FCC

   • NTIA filing

9. FCC issues Universal Service reform order

   May 8, 1997Labels: Universal Service, FCC

   • Senate hearing

10. DOJ clears WorldCom–MCI merger with conditions

    Jul 15, 1998Labels: DOJ, WorldCom MCI

    • DOJ release
    • CBS News

11. WorldCom completes acquisition of MCI

    Sep 1, 1998Labels: WorldCom, MCI

    • SEC filing

12. Supreme Court clarifies FCC authority under 1996 Act

    Jan 25, 1999Labels: Supreme Court, AT&T v

    • Supreme Court