The current phone-exchange payment system, which dates back to the breakup of the Bell system in 1984, is widely divergent, with some carriers charging a fraction of a penny per minute for outside calls to their customers and others charging hundreds of times that much for the same service.

Four Commissioners provided the Chairman bi-partisan, constructive and substantive suggestions, and stated that notice and comment should be sought on the proposals, with an understanding that we would all be prepared to vote on December 18.

said by TKJunkMail :

Four Commissioners provided the Chairman bi-partisan, constructive and substantive suggestions, and stated that notice and comment should be sought on the proposals, with an understanding that we would all be prepared to vote on December 18.

said by RARPSL :

How many of those 4 are "Lame Ducks"? IOW: How many of them will still have their jobs after the new administration takes over (no matter which candidate wins Tuesday) and how many must be reappointed/reconfirmed by the new President. I know Martin's tenure is at risk but what about the others (ie: Do they have set terms or do they serve only at the will of the President?).

said by TKJunkMail :

The revolt by the 4 commissioners was more about Martin rushing them before they were ready to vote and not allowing some modifications. I think they wanted to modify it a little and Martin wanted to rush because his tenure at the FCC may be coming to an end.