The Court of International Trade on Nov. 27 denied an importer’s request to have the government cover its attorneys’ costs and fees from a lengthy case on CBP’s authority to reliquidate entries that had been deemed liquidated. CBP was justified when it denied the protest that led to the court case because the aggrieved importer, Consolidated Fibers, raised outdated arguments on the protest, even though the company would eventually prevail after raising different claims in its lawsuit.
Antitrust experts think DOJ's litigation seeking to block AT&T's buy of Time Warner faces an arduous uphill climb in court. Some stakeholders applauded the lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia (see 1711200064). If fully litigated, "it will define antitrust for years to come," said Gus Hurwitz, co-director, Nebraska College of Law space, cyber and telecom law program. A Justice win would reshape views on vertical transactions, while a loss opens the floodgates to more such transactions, he said.
Antitrust experts think DOJ's litigation seeking to block AT&T's buy of Time Warner faces an arduous uphill climb in court. Some stakeholders applauded the lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia (see 1711200064). If fully litigated, "it will define antitrust for years to come," said Gus Hurwitz, co-director, Nebraska College of Law space, cyber and telecom law program. A Justice win would reshape views on vertical transactions, while a loss opens the floodgates to more such transactions, he said.
Antitrust experts think DOJ's litigation seeking to block AT&T's buy of Time Warner faces an arduous uphill climb in court. Some stakeholders applauded the lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia (see 1711200064). If fully litigated, "it will define antitrust for years to come," said Gus Hurwitz, co-director, Nebraska College of Law space, cyber and telecom law program. A Justice win would reshape views on vertical transactions, while a loss opens the floodgates to more such transactions, he said.
The Federal Maritime Commission will hold public hearings at 10 a.m. Jan. 16 and 17, 2018, to receive testimony from maritime industry witnesses on a December 2016 petition to issue new rules preventing common carriers and marine terminal operators (MTOs) from charging demurrage, detention and per diem fees during events beyond the control of shippers, the FMC announced. Those events include port congestion or disruption, bad weather and delays spurred by government action. Those interested in testifying should send their requests to the FMC no later than Dec. 8, the agency said. The Coalition of Fair Port Practices filed the petition (see 1612080021).
FCC Democratic commissioners urged net neutrality advocates to rise up in defense of open internet regulation that appears to be in the crosshairs of Chairman Ajit Pai and fellow Republicans. "Time to call foul. Time to raise a ruckus. Time to save #NetNeutrality," tweeted Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel Friday, linking to a Slate article in which she called for FCC hearings across the country to allow Americans to comment on Pai's plans.
FCC Democratic commissioners urged net neutrality advocates to rise up in defense of open internet regulation that appears to be in the crosshairs of Chairman Ajit Pai and fellow Republicans. "Time to call foul. Time to raise a ruckus. Time to save #NetNeutrality," tweeted Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel Friday, linking to a Slate article in which she called for FCC hearings across the country to allow Americans to comment on Pai's plans.
Enterprise communications systems (ECS) should have the same E-911 functionality as other phones, 911 and public safety groups commented last week on a September FCC notice of inquiry (see 1709260040). That includes the ability to dial 911 directly without additional digits, automatic location identification and location-based routing to the correct public safety answering point and call-back capability if a call is interrupted, the National Emergency Number Association commented in docket 17-239. APCO called the lack of those capabilities “a significant shortcoming in 911 emergency response.” The National Association of State 911 Administrators concurred. “Just as E911 for landline, wireless and VoIP has resulted in improvements in the speed at which emergency responders are able to reach the caller, so would E911 for ECS,” NASNA commented. State commissions also rallied behind the cause, with NARUC last week passing a resolution supporting required direct dialing of 911 in hotels and other enterprises (see 1711130035). Verizon agreed people should be able to dial 911 without a prefix. But AT&T urged the FCC to “first ‘do no harm’ by not impinging on enterprise owners’ discretion to adopt customized 911 calling solutions that enhance public safety.” Enterprise owners can address many of the issues raised in the NOI, the carrier commented. The Telecommunications Industry Association urged the agency “to consider the complexity of the ECS marketplace and the diverse needs of its users before acting to add regulations.” The Ad Hoc Telecommunications Users Committee said “not to interfere with the wide discretion currently enjoyed by companies to develop solutions that best meet the safety of their employees.” FCC action on direct 911 dialing isn’t necessary because Congress may pass Kari’s Law (S-123), the American Hotel & Lodging Association commented. The bill passed the Senate in August and was sent to the House.
Strong privacy and transparency protections must be included in legislation renewing Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Section 702 authority, said privacy and global cloud-based business groups Friday at a TechFreedom/Engine event. With new European privacy protections coming next year that U.S. global companies must meet, it’s time for Congress to ensure that 702 authority adds privacy protections that can build confidence among overseas business partners, said Christian Dawson, co-founder of the Internet Infrastructure Coalition. Many global clients are deeply concerned about data privacy in U.S.-based cloud services, he said, and will closely watch how Congress updates 702 authority expiring Dec. 31.
Officials working for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai have often used Twitter to slam news reports critical about the commission, according to our eight-month review of their social media activities. Also, unlike at DOJ, the FTC and NTIA, FCC aides using their government Twitter accounts regularly praise the substance of reporting that sheds a positive light on the agency under Pai. Some of the negative tweets may not abide by best practices, FCC responses to our Freedom of Information Act requests show.