Ohio House passes new version of a bill to partially deregulate the telephone industry | cleveland.com

The Ohio House on Tuesday passed its own version of a bill that would loosen state regulations on landline telephone service. While consumer advocates say the bill offers more benefits for telephone customers than a Senate version passed in December, they still say the legislation would weaken many regulations designed to ensure affordable prices and decent phone service.

Phone companies argue the legislation is needed to create a more level playing field between them and cable and Internet phone providers, which don't face the same state regulations despite offering a nearly identical service...