Critics of 800 MHz rebanding proposal crafted by Nextel and public safety and private wireless groups told FCC this week that Nextel’s pledge of $850 million to help relocate displaced incumbents wasn’t likely to be enough. Comments were due Mon. on revised 800 MHz reconfiguration blueprint designed to help mitigate interference to public safety operators. Wireless carriers, some private wireless operators and others stepped up criticism of revamped joint plan submitted late last year to Commission. But Nextel defended plan, saying $850 million commitment was enough to “fund all reasonable relocation costs.”
Only independently owned TV network affiliates provide “the best possible service to their local communities” and their ability to continue to do so depends on retention of 35% ownership cap, NAB and Network Affiliated Stations Alliance (NASA) told FCC (CD Feb 5 p5). Stations owned by Big 4 TV networks “must inevitably pursue economic objectives” that aren’t attuned to localism, they said in ex parte letter to all 5 commissioners, 19 FCC staffers and NTIA Dir. Nancy Victory. Experience since cap was raised from 25% by 1996 Telecom Act showed affiliates’ ability to continue to be “principal bulwark of localism is vulnerable,” said letter by NASA Chmn. Alan Frank of Post-Newsweek Stations and NAB Pres. Edward Fritts.
DirecTV announced plan to raise up to $2.95 billion in financing 3 days after reports of SBC’s potential interest in company (CD Feb 10 p9). Timing of DirecTV’s financing plan may not be coincidental, several industry and financial analysts said, but parent Hughes Electronics spokesman said financing plan and potential acquisition of DirecTV by any entity weren’t related: “This is a great time to do it as far as the market is concerned and we want to take advantage of that.”
DirecTV announced plan to raise up to $2.95 billion in financing 3 days after reports of SBC’s potential interest in company (CD Feb 10 p9). Timing of DirecTV’s financing plan may not be coincidental, several industry and financial analysts said, but parent Hughes Electronics spokesman said financing plan and potential acquisition of DirecTV by any entity weren’t related: “This is a great time to do it as far as the market is concerned and we want to take advantage of that.”
As expected, RIAA fought back Fri. against Verizon’s efforts to stay decision ordering it to turn over personal information about alleged infringement. Assn. filed motions in U.S. Dist. Court, D.C., opposing request, opposing declaration submitted on ISP’s behalf by Clinton Administration’s chief privacy counselor and starting public relations campaign against ISP. Verizon sought stay Jan. 31, arguing it was necessary to prevent it from having to release its subscriber’s personal information during appeal. Subpoena was issued under Sec. 512(h) of Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Verizon has refused to comply with subpoena, saying it would violate its user’s privacy.
As expected, RIAA fought back Fri. against Verizon’s efforts to stay decision ordering it to turn over personal information about alleged infringement. Association filed motions in U.S. Dist. Court, D.C., opposing request, opposing declaration submitted on ISP’s behalf by Clinton Administration’s chief privacy counselor and starting public relations campaign against ISP. Verizon sought stay Jan. 31, arguing it was necessary to prevent it from having to release its subscriber’s personal information during appeal. Subpoena was issued under Sec. 512(h) of Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Verizon has refused to comply with subpoena, saying it would violate its user’s privacy.
At Precursor Group conference Tues. dominated by talk of Triennial UNE Review, Verizon Chmn. Ivan Seidenberg called on FCC to adopt “clear national standards,” including no unbundling for DS1 and DS3 lines. He reiterated criticism of current UNE regime, calling it “big wet blanket” on investment and saying Commission had “golden opportunity” to reverse that trend.
FCC Chmn. Powell’s legal adviser on media issues, Susan Eid, told Precursor Group conference Tues. that reality was that there were unprecedented levels of competition, diversity and choice in broadcast TV market. Prime-time viewing of broadcast has declined more than 30% in last decade because of competition from cable, she said. Cable captures 20% of ad revenue now, she said, and she believes clustering of cable systems will cause that industry to “compete much more aggressively and, frankly, effectively” with local broadcasters in terms of local content and advertising.
FCC should do more to promote access to wireless services by rural customers, Comr. Adelstein told NTCA annual meeting in Phoenix Mon. He also stressed need for continued support from universal service for network build-outs “at levels that are specific, predictable and sufficient.” As for wireless, Adelstein said universal service shouldn’t be used to support “artificial competition from providers that don’t provide the same or better service than what consumers already receive.” He also urged changes in FCC policies that he said didn’t make sense in that area, such as allowing small carriers to get discounts in buying spectrum at auction. “This is a great idea,” Adelstein said, “but the current rule actually attributes the outside business activities of co-op board members in determining the co-ops’ eligibility for bidding credits.” Citing challenge against that pending at FCC, he said he was “taking a good hard look at this… Unfortunately, this is an example of how the FCC doesn’t always understand how co-ops in rural America work. I plan to use the full power of my office to make sure we get this rule fixed as soon as possible.” Reflecting concerns on license area size that rural carriers had raised at FCC, Adelstein said he also was concerned that large wireless license areas raised auction prices so high that rural telcos “can’t even afford to make a first bid.” In future auctions, Adelstein said he would support use of smaller wireless license areas that would better reflect rural customer bases. “In addition, we need to revisit the FCC’s build-out rules. I'm concerned that the current rules can indirectly undercut the ability of rural carriers to get access to spectrum in their own neighborhoods,” he said. On universal service front, he said that although it didn’t directly support advanced services, it was key tool that laid groundwork for creating future broadband networks. “The 2 foundational pillars of the [Telecom] Act are universal service and competition,” he said. “Federal support is intended to promote universal service, not to subsidize artificial competition -- or, for that matter, to keep it at bay.” Neither of those “pillars” should be promoted at expense of other, he said. State PUCs have key role in determining if competitor is eligible for universal service support, he said. “Specifically, states must make sure that the new market entrants receiving universal service meet all the obligations required by the Act. These include providing service throughout the service area and advertising its availability.”
BEVERLY HILLS -- While new study indicates amount of sexual content on TV remains significant, number of safe-sex messages interwoven in scripted shows has risen dramatically. Findings of study conducted by Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation was presented at conference at Museum of Television here.