Some language prohibiting this practice did make it into the bill but one must prove discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, etc. has taken place. - very difficult to do. No cap on the number of stations owned by the same person. In markets of 14 and under - 5 per owner TV and radio broadcast licenses will be easier to renew and terms will be longer than previously. New entrants need not even be considered unless it has decided not to renew an incumbent licensee. Telephone companies can chose to be regulated as cable companies or as an open video system.
Cable companies can offer telephone services.
Telephone companies are required to interconnect with these systems, provide number portability, and other cooperative efforts. Cable regulation Rates for the extended basic tier of large cable companies will be deregulated in three years. Cables systems with under 50,000 subscribers are deregulated immediately. If a telephone company creates effective competition in any way other than direct broadcast satellite, the cable company is released from regulation. A little known victory was won by cities in the 24 hours preceding passage of the bill.