Conflict Perspective

The social conflict in this article results from possible Supreme Court non-intervention to extend the regulations that require the four regional Bell companies to lease their equipment to rivals at heavy discounts. The two main rivals in this situation are the companies of AT&T and MCI. Through strong political tactics and companies monopolizing markets, the social conflict filters down to the consumer who suffers through rising prices of telephone rates. The decision of the Bush administration not to seek an extension of the regulations will allow Bell companies an upper hand on the telecommunications market and force rival companies MCI and AT&T to raise prices in order to remain competitive. The conflict from a sociological standpoint is an ongoing process because this situation deals with money and is also a product that most people consider a necessity in life. These two ingredients, money and necessity cause social conflict. Many people have the need to have telephone service available to them and regardless of the fluctuation of prices,