AL Telecom Deregulation bill

May 15, 2005 - Decatur Daily reports, "A political action committee funded by employees of BellSouth gave campaign contributions during the 2002 elections to 111 of the current members of the Alabama Legislature, which has passed a bill to deregulate much of the telephone business in Alabama. ... The bill was pushed by BellSouth officials, who said it would lead to more competition in the telecommunications industry and lower prices. The legislation, which has been signed by Gov. Bob Riley, was opposed by members of the Alabama Public Service Commission, who said it would allow BellSouth to run off competition and eventually lead to higher prices. "