U.S. INDUSTRY SPLIT LEADS TO TELECOM COMPROMISE IN SINGAPORE FTA

The telecommunications chapter of the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement released this week reflects a delicate balance between the demands of long distance and value-added providers pushing for more market access in Singapore, and the objectives of U.S. Baby Bells who sought to preserve regulatory flexibility for the U.S. market. Industry representatives on both sides of the debate gave the office of U.S. Trade Representative plaudits for striking this balance, though neither side achieved all its demands. Sources from both groups,...