Final Answer:
B) Established providers could merge their businesses and network capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 had a significant impact on the industry by allowing established providers to merge their businesses and network capabilities. This legislation aimed to promote competition, foster innovation, and improve the efficiency of the telecommunications sector. By removing certain regulatory barriers, the Act sought to create a more dynamic and competitive market.
One of the key provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was the encouragement of competition through deregulation. By permitting established providers to merge, the legislation aimed to create larger, more robust companies with the capacity to invest in advanced technologies and infrastructure. This was expected to lead to improved services and expanded coverage.
The rationale behind this approach was that increased competition would benefit consumers by offering them a wider array of services and choices. However, it's important to note that the actual outcomes and consequences of the Act have been the subject of ongoing debate and analysis, with some arguing that it achieved its goals while others express concerns about market concentration and potential negative impacts on consumers.