Basically it has to do with ownership of end user equipment..phones...switches.etc. The telco's just want to sell dialtone. But lately they have tried to put the sqwueeze on cable companies. Every program they pushed through failed within 18 months though. I worked for Pac Tel, Pac Bell, Pac Telesis, and SBC. Got out five years ago as a mid level manager. I don't know what ED has in mind but he is close to Bush and only has a year or two to go. Randall Srevenson is being grommed to take Ed's place.
And why would a guy who is "close to Bush" hire a clintonista like William Daley to be president of SBC?