BOC manufacture of telecommunications equipment: an assessment of benefits and competitive risks

The removal of the Modification of Final Judgment (MFJ) restrictions on the regional Bell operating companies (RBOCs) in the manufacture of equipment for telecommunications would benefit consumers. Deregulation would likely result in new and improved products as well as a more efficient methods of production. The RBOCs' technical knowledge and skill, acquaintance with consumer needs and financial resources are the sources for such consumer benefits. Highly effective regulations that can detect anticompetitive and inefficient behavior have already been developed to prevent such actions so these would not likely occur and offset the benefits.