The reason why the Bells have been restricted from entering the long distance markets is because they are monopolies and they are supposed to open the phone networks to competition. They have yet to do this in most states and it could be argued that instead, they have run a campaign to put competitors out of business. Since they have all of the customer data, it gives them power. Tauzin and Dingell have both railed for years to allow the Bells into long distance without competition. This bill is a step in that direction and it is anti-competitive.
Deregulation is another term to give the monopoly more money.
In the case of the Bells, most states have already, improperly, deregulated the companies' business and that is why the Bell's are some of the most profitable companies in America. Deregulation hasn't worked in the California Power industry, and it hasn't worked in Telecom and anyone who suggests that they deregulate the Bells further are either ignorant of the facts, or are just working to give the companies more of customers' money. Congress needs to enact The Broadband Bill of Rights to fix DSL and competitive issues.