Fewer carriers, yes, but they are competing with one another more often.

Instead, we have an environment in which the carriers are competing in a race to the bottom: to charge the most while providing the least.

The unfairness comes from foreign government subsidies and protections with which United States carriers cannot compete.

Congress has yet to pass the telecommunications bill, which would allow the local and long-distance carriers to compete in each other's markets.

Ultimately, European and U.S. carriers may compete in each other's markets.

Also, by leveling the rates that customers pay, the plan would encourage carriers to compete for a larger number of households and companies.

That would force the carriers to compete where it matters: price and quality of service.

Previously these carriers did not compete in the same regulatory space, but with the reclassification of data and information services the Act favored competition.

Competition, the spokesman explained, had benefited rural and low income users, as 4 carriers now competed for about 96% of the market.

The six new regional carriers really compete with each other.