Homes could start been connected to the Internet through electrical outlets. (47) In this way, consumers and business may find easier to make cheaper telephone calls under new rules that the Federal Communications Commission began preparing on Thursday. (48) Taking together, the new rules could profoundly affect the architecture of the Internet and the services it provides. (49) They also have enormous implications for consumers, the telephone and energy industries, equipment manufacturers. Michael K. Powell, the F.C.C. chairman, and his two Republican colleagues on the five-member commission said that (50) a 4-to-1 vote on Thursday to allow a small company providing computer-to-computer phone connections to operate in different rules from ordinary phone companies, would ultimately transform. the telecommunications industry and the Internet. (51) "This is a reflecting of the commission's commitment to bring tomorrow's technology to consumers today." said Mr. Powell. He added that (52) the rules governing the new phone services sought to make them as wide available as email (53) and possibly much less expensive than traditional phones, and given their lower regulatory costs. At the same time, (54) once while the rules allowing delivery of the Internet through power lines are completed, (55) companies could provide consumers with the ability to plug their modems directly into wall sockets, just like they do with a toaster, or a desk lamp.
(41)