NTIA Administrator Larry Strickling Tuesday asked the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee to refocus its efforts on helping the agency identify spectrum to meet the administration’s goal of providing 500 MHz for broadband in 10 years. At the final meeting of the current CSMAC, the group also approved final versions of two sometimes controversial reports on “incentives” for getting more government spectrum into play for commercial use and on the benefits of unlicensed spectrum.
Wireless “bill shock” is “not remotely as large” a problem as the FCC suggested in a rulemaking notice, CTIA said in a filing Monday at the commission. The rules proposed would cost carriers, and therefore consumers, “tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars to put into practice,” the association warned. CTIA also hinted that a legal challenge is likely if the FCC moves forward on rules. The FCC at its October meeting proposed rules to require carriers to provide usage alerts and related information to help consumers avoid unexpected charges.
On January 7, 2011, the following trade-related bills and resolutions were introduced:
The Department of Transportation has released an initial concept document, entitled “Phased U.S.-Mexico Cross-Border Long Haul Trucking Proposal,” which aims to end the U.S.-Mexico cross-border trucking dispute by prioritizing safety while satisfying the U.S.’ international obligations1.
International Trade Commission announces that a section 337 patent-based complaint has been filed regarding certain birthing simulators and associated systems.
Republicans introduced legislation to strike down FCC net neutrality rules Wednesday, the first day of the new Congress. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn, introduced the Internet Freedom Act providing that only Congress can make rules for the Internet. Meanwhile, House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., said his top priority is reversing the commission’s rules, under the Congressional Review Act.
Republicans introduced legislation to strike down FCC net neutrality rules Wednesday, the first day of the new Congress. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn, introduced the Internet Freedom Act providing that only Congress can make rules for the Internet. Meanwhile, House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., said his top priority is reversing the commission’s rules, under the Congressional Review Act.
The International Trade Commission announces that a section 337 patent-based complaint has been filed regarding certain mobile telephones and modems.
The Federal Trade Commission has amended its Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries, effective December 28, 2010, to provide guidance on how to mark and describe non-deceptively an alloy of platinum and non-precious metals, consisting of between 500 to 850 parts per thousand (ppt) pure platinum and less than 950 parts per thousand for platinum group metals (PGM)1.
The International Trade Commission announces that a section 337 patent-based complaint has been filed regarding certain game devices, components thereof, and products containing the same.