Competition introduced Over the last few years we have introduced competition to several traditional monopoly markets. Earlier this year the Commission authorized a telephone company to become a broadcasting distribution undertaking. In telecommunications we have brought competition to the provision of telephone sets, domestic and international long distance service, local service, pay telephone service, and forborne from the regulation of wireless telephone companies. Just in case you're getting the impression that there is nothing left for us to do, I want to turn now to a complex regulatory issue that flows from competition and directly impacts the owners and occupants of multiple unit dwellings. And this is just one of the many issues that we face as competition emerges.
Competition is an easy principle to adopt.
Unfortunately the terms and conditions necessary to allow competition to flourish in previously monopoly markets are anything but easy to develop, implement and enforce. As we have seen in the terminal and long distance markets, choice means lower prices, better quality service, and more service features. Initially the decision may be made by the developer of the condominium apartments. The decision then may be made by the condominium's board, association or strata council. With respect to cable television, this approach was endorsed by the Commission in 1996 as long as strata councils were able to choose between competing cable operators.