Telecommunications equipment and services have become an increasingly significant component of the United States' international trading activities. The Agency for International Development is involved in assisting other countries with economic development programs, including many related to communications. The U.S. Trade Representative is considered a member of the President's staff. The last two organizations are part of an independent agency, the International Development and Cooperation Agency. Finally, state governments play a significant role in overseeing telecommunications companies and services, particularly in the area of basic local telephone service.
Every state has a regulatory agency responsible for overseeing intrastate telecommunications.
Typically referred to as Public Utility Commissions or Public Service Commissions, these agencies oversee a number of regulated businesses that most often include telephone service, electric and water service, and various transportation services. In most cases, these state agencies are similar in many respects to the FCC, except that their actions are restricted to matters involving intrastate communications. Historically, in the telecommunications area, their principal task has been the regulation of local, monopoly telephone companies. As the fundamental nature and diversity of the telecommunications business have evolved over time, many states have altered their laws and rules, or at least considered such alterations, to accommodate a more competitive, less regulated business. As the variety of telecommunications services changes, and as competition becomes more prevalent, the state regulator faces an increasingly complex and dynamic job.