In Pivotal Case, Bush Backs Off Rule That Eased Phone Line Fees
By STEPHEN LABATON
Published: June 10, 2004
WASHINGTON, June 9 — In a move that critics say could lead to higher telephone rates, the Bush administration on Wednesday sided with the four regional Bell companies in a court case over the fees they charge their rivals for access to their networks.
The administration's decision, which could affect the phone bills of nearly 50 million customers across the country, was a significant policy reversal in a case making its way to the Supreme Court.