By Angie Hatton
Metropolis, IL – State legislators have approved a plan to modernize Illinois' telecommunications law and lift most state regulation on land lines. Supporters say the measure means more jobs as companies will be free to develop newer technology like broadband services and bring jobs to the state. Consumer groups like AARP say deregulation reduces consumer protections, opening the door to poor service and rate hikes. AT&T controls the bulk of land-line telephone service in Illinois. The company says heavy regulation keeps it from investing money into newer technology. The Senate passed the bill 59 to zero Thursday. It now goes to Governor Pat Quinn.