Municipal govt. deployment of communications networks is catching...

200 municipalities are competitive service providers, some of which have applied for universal service funding, he said Wed. in news briefing at USTA hq in Washington. Congressional leaders, whom he declined to identify, are interested in possible legislative remedy to unfair advantage some govt. providers may have over USTA members, Lytle said. Meanwhile, he expressed concern with move by House Judiciary Committee Chmn. Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) to get shot at review of broadband deregulatory bill recently introduced by House Commerce Committee Chmn. Tauzin (R-La.) and ranking Democrat Dingell (Mich.). Sensenbrenner urged House Speaker Hastert (R-Ill.) Tues. to give Judiciary Committee partial jurisdiction over bill, since it could provide competitive advantage to Bell companies and therefore fell within committee oversight of antitrust issues. Lytle reiterated USTA’s support of Tauzin-Dingell bill and said group was “hopeful it will not be referred to the Judiciary Committee.” On other issues, Lytle said: (1) USTA “search committee” is close to decision on new pres. to replace Roy Neel. Lytle, head of Ameritech’s Washington office before its merger with SBC, said he was candidate but he had “no idea” who else was being interviewed or when decision would be made. (2) He expected Bells to gain Sec. 271 authority in 10-15 more states this year. (3) Assn. will play “active role” in FCC proceeding to standardize intercarrier compensation. “This is as big as it gets for our members.”