Telecom bill spurs high-tech bedlam

The Telecommunications Reform Bill, signed by President Clinton Feb. 8, will affect the Northern Front Range much like the rest of the nation: It will lead to increased competition between telecommunications providers and more options for consumers.
The bill removes barriers between different service providers, allowing all telecommunications companies to expand into each other’s business. However, the bill, the first rewrite of telecom law since 1934, may hurt some local businesses, especially those involved in Internet services. And it is unknown whether it will actually lower prices for consumers.
U S West Inc., one of the seven Baby Bells,…