LAS VEGAS -- Some decisions on a hard deadline for the DTV transition will be made this year, “one way or the other,” FCC Chmn. Powell said at the CES here Thurs. Powell clearly indicated he prefers a congressional solution but said the FCC must start making decisions on how to interpret the 85% penetration figure in the old analog turnoff rules if Congress doesn’t act on new rules.

FCC commissioners are expected to begin the voting process soon on a controversial AT&T petition seeking permission not to pay access charges and universal service contributions on its enhanced prepaid calling card revenue. AT&T has been withholding millions of dollars in intrastate access charges and universal service payments because it considers the calling card offers an information service that’s not liable for such payments. The petition seeks an FCC ruling that such action is legal.

DBS can act as a constraint on cable prices, especially in the basic service tier, according to an FCC staff report. The report found that cable operators are vulnerable to losing customers when they enact large price increases. “Large, quality-adjusted price increases for the most popular or basic cable service may not be sustainable for cable operators,” the report said. DBS penetration is lower in markets where cable operators carry regional sports channels, the report found. One reason is that cable may be limiting DBS operator access to regional sports networks, the report said. The report also found that most cable operators are adding satellite channels nearly as fast, or faster than they are raising their total package rates.

DBS can act as a constraint on cable prices, especially in the basic service tier, according to an FCC staff report. The report found that cable operators risk losing customers when they impose large price increases. “Large, quality-adjusted price increases for the most popular or basic cable service may not be sustainable for cable operators,” the report said. DBS penetration is lower in markets where cable operators carry regional sports channels, the report found. One reason is that cable may be limiting DBS operators’ access to regional sports networks, the report said. The report also found that most cable operators are adding satellite channels nearly as fast as or faster than they are raising total package rates.

The Tex. PUC hopes to persuade the 2005 legislature to give it more power to enforce its rules. The PUC, in a preliminary report to the legislature, said the current $5,000 cap on fines for rule violations such as slamming and cramming isn’t enough of a deterrent. It wants the cap raised to at least $25,000 per offense. The PUC also wants the flexibility to impose penalties even if the company corrected the immediate cause of complaints. Currently, the PUC can’t impose fines or other administrative penalties if a company corrects a problem within 30 days. The PUC may have a chance to win this change because the current state telecom act is to sunset this year and the legislature could use this as an opportunity to address the PUC’s authority and powers.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice stating that the European Communities (EC) has requested World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement consultations with the U.S. regarding the U.S. antidumping (AD) duty investigation on stainless steel bar from the United Kingdom (U.K.).

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice announcing that the European Communities (EC) has requested World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement consultations with respect to the American JOBS Creation Act of 2004.

In the December 15, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 51), CBP issued notices: (a) proposing to revoke a classification ruling on a reticulated foam filter ring, (b) proposing to modify a classification ruling on fruits and an herb preserved in acetic acid, and (c) modifying a classification ruling on a feather "duster" tickler. CBP states that it is also revoking, or proposing to revoke, any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.

The Wireless Communications Assn. International (WCA) said it launched relief efforts within the wireless broadband industry in response to the recent earthquake and tsunamis in S. Asia. The organization said it would hold a meeting to encourage industry to act on disaster relief Jan. 13 during its annual international symposium in San Jose, urging both monetary relief and equipment for first responders. It said it planned to organize a task force to raise money and coordinate equipment donations for effective emergency deployment. Participants will address longer-term infrastructure needs especially suited to the emerging capabilities of wireless broadband, WCA said.

FCC’s approval of Zeus Holdings’ buyout of Intelsat means the Commission believes the transaction doesn’t raise anti-competitive questions, although 2 of the private equity firms that make up Zeus -- Apax Partners and Permira -- hold 25.8% interests each in mobile satellite provider Inmarsat. Zeus convinced the Commission that the degree of common ownership doesn’t pose a significant competitive concern because the companies serve distinct markets.