U.K. legislative proposal for implementing new harmonized European Union (EU) digital copyright rules is sparking concern from some who fear its effect on “fair dealing” and computer interoperability. Consultation paper was released in response to European Community Directive 2001/29/EC on harmonization of rules, which became effective June 22 last year. EU Member States are required to comply with directive by Dec. 22, with comments on consultation paper due Oct. 31.
A group of private equity firms valued Intelsat at $5 billion in a new deal announced Mon. The announcement came just 3 months after the company reversed an earlier statement from CEO Conny Kullman that the company wouldn’t be considering a private equity buyout (CD May 24 p2).
A bipartisan group of House members turned up pressure on the FTC to determine whether peer-to-peer networks are violating the FTC Act. While P2P has been under fire mostly for enabling copyright infringement, 17 members of the House Govt. Reform Committee led by Chmn. Davis (R-Va.) and ranking Democrat Waxman (Cal.) suggested other issues that might be in the FTC’s jurisdiction, such as deceptive trafficking of pornography and spyware. The Aug. 10 letter, a copy of which we've obtained, was sent to FTC Chmn. Timothy Muris, whose last day on the job was yesterday (Aug. 15). He’s been replaced by Deborah Majoras, through a recess appointment by President Bush.
The release of the FCC’s interim UNE order appears to be hung up by lack of movement on a possible companion order that would deal with DS-1, line sharing and other issues not addressed in the original document, we're told. The latest estimate is that the interim order won’t be released until at least the end of next week, but much depends on FCC Chmn. Powell’s effort to seek changes to it through a reconsideration order. If there were such changes, the 2 orders probably would be released together, sources said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an updated version of its frequently asked questions (FAQ) and responses on its final rule requiring, among other things, the advance electronic presentation of information for all modes of inbound transportation.
MONTREAL -- FCC Chief of Staff Bryan Tramont said at the APCO conference here that, with the 800 MHz order out, the Commission will make the digital TV transition “the primary policy imperative of the agency” the next 6 months. Tramont, speaking on a panel of top FCC staffers, said Chmn. Powell is eager to establish a date certain for the transition, which will provide 700 MHz spectrum for public safety.
Rural ILEC, CLEC and wireless industry groups filed an interim universal service plan with the FCC, marking the first time they've agreed on the subject. The filing -- by OPASTCO, Rural Independent Competitive Alliance (RICA) and the Rural Telecom Group (ROUTING) -- came in response to the Commission’s proceeding on the Universal Service Joint Board’s Recommended Decision on high-cost support portability. The groups proposed minimum standardized criteria for competitive eligible telecom carrier (CETC) applicants in rural service areas. They said the plan would “provide sufficient support to both wireless and wireline ETCs and would enable the FCC to better control the future growth of the Universal Service Fund (USF), while it considers more long-term reform for all ETCs serving rural service areas.”
One of the few surprises at Wed.’s FCC mostly well scripted meeting was a strong statement from Comr. Copps warning that the FCC is still falling short on homeland security. Shortly after the session’s start, Copps -- responding to an FCC report on post-Sept. 11 communications changes that led off a meeting largely focused on homeland security -- addressed at length Commission shortcomings. Sources involved with emergency communications said Thurs. that issues remain, echoing in part Copps’ statements. Copps, sources said, delivered what he viewed as a moderate speech.
The FCC tentatively concluded Wed. that CALEA applies to facilities-based providers of “any type of broadband Internet access service -- including wireline, cable modem, wireless and powerline -- and to managed or mediated [VoIP] services.” This was the wording of a rulemaking launched to determine the appropriate legal and policy framework for implementing CALEA, particularly regarding broadband access and services. The agency said the tentative conclusions were based on its proposal that such services fall under CALEA as “a replacement for a substantial portion of the local telephone exchange service.” But FCC officials said CALEA wouldn’t apply to “non-managed” P2P VoIP services such as those provided by Pulver.com or Skype. FCC Comrs. Copps and Adelstein concurred.
On July 22, both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed H.R. 4842, the "U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Implementation Act," clearing the measure for the President.