Bill to Overhaul Telecom Laws Is Unveiled

Leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee unveiled wide-ranging legislation that would overhaul U.S. communications laws and attempt to accelerate competition for subscription television.

The bill includes provisions aimed at cutting the time it takes for a new TV provider to get a license to offer service, expanding local sports programming available on satellite TV, ensuring Internet-based telephone calls are connected and cutting rates for U.S. military personnel abroad calling home. The bill is authored by Sens. Ted Stevens, an Alaska Republican and the committee chairman, and Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, the top Democrat on the panel.