The Boston Globe reports that Verizon is trying to shed requirements that the telco give its competitors network access at capped rates in Greater Boston and other markets on the Eastern Seaboard. The company has petitioned the FCC for "forbearance" from the rules because they say these markets are now competitive:The change, which is opposed by consumer advocates and Verizon competitors alike, would affect service in the metropolitan areas of Boston, Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Virginia Beach by allowing Verizon to raise rates on competitors, potentially driving them out of those markets.

The FCC deregulated most DSL markets back in 2005, effectively gutting the 1996 Telecom Act. The FCC also (in most cases) freed incumbents from having to share their next-gen network builds whatsoever. According to some ISPs we've spoken to, Verizon is allowing them to resell FiOS at a significant premium. ISPs in AT&T territory tell us AT&T is not reselling U-Verse VDSL service.

The FCC voted on this issue back before they had a Conservative majority and were deadlocked. With the new vote of Robert "what broadband problem?" McDowell, Verizon's request should be easily approved, and customers of Verizon resellers in these cities can expect a rate hike. The move should please those who believe these operators should not exist if they're not willing to build their own infrastructure.

Also see reports in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.