The prospects for the bill ’ s passage hinge on Congress ’ willingness to make sweeping changes in the regulatory landscape for telecommunications . While lawmakers should carefully consider all aspects of the bill , they should not be daunted by its breadth . Telecommunications regulations established under the Telecom Act of 1996 have long since become archaic by technological innovation . Although cable operators are required to comply with much less - stringent regulations than telephone companies , the two industries now offer many of the same services .