WASHINGTON -- SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC - News) today urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to remove regulations that increase the cost of deploying broadband services and restrict the provision of new and innovative broadband services for consumers. In comments to be filed today with the Commission, SBC encouraged the Commission to establish a technology-neutral regulatory framework that promotes broadband investment so that more American consumers can benefit from broadband service. To this end, SBC said in its filing that it should have the same flexibility as cable providers to design and package broadband services on a cost-effective basis and to structure business arrangements with Internet service providers (ISP) that give consumers a choice of ISP. It also urged the FCC not to apply outdated regulatory constraints developed in a "one wire" world to the intensely competitive broadband market. "Subjecting providers of the same service to different regulations makes no sense, especially in light of the intense competition that exists in the broadband market," said Priscilla Hill-Ardoin, SBC's senior vice president-FCC. "As a matter of fact, unequal regulations harm competition and hinder investment. Only by establishing market equality for all broadband providers can the Commission ensure the benefits of real competition for American businesses and consumers." SBC Communications Inc. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)