LONDON -- Launch of the first set of standards for next generation networks (NGNs) shows the ITU can act efficiently and at low cost, the dir. of ITU’s telecom standardization bureau said Fri. The specifications were drawn up so quickly ITU no longer can be seen as slow, Houlin Zhao said. But, fearing industry will continue to refuse to work with the organization, Houlin pleaded for the telecom sector to “start with the ITU” on standardization. His comments came at an ITU-sponsored NGN conference here.
The U.S. govt. is warning CD buyers against installing DRM software from certain Sony BMG CDs, following a chorus of warnings from private developers and security professionals that led Sony to pull the CDs from retail stores (WID Nov 16 p8). The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) verified that the XCP technology in some Sony CDs, made by U.K. firm First4Internet, contained “several vulnerabilities” and used “rootkit” technology, a technique used by virus writers to hide their files from antivirus software. US- CERT also backed an independent analysis of Sony’s Web- based uninstall feature to remove XCP, which found the uninstaller let any Web page run code -- good or bad -- on the user’s computer. The group, the operational arm of the National Cyber Security Div. at the Homeland Security Dept., recommended users: (1) Don’t run administrative privileges on their machines, which will block XCP’s installation. (2) Don’t install software from unexpected sources, like audio CDs. (3) If installing, read the end user license agreement first.
The FCC didn’t mandate state and local Emergency Alert System (EAS) compliance when it amended its EAS rules late last week. But the FCC strongly encouraged compliance by all EAS participants -- even non-local satellite radio - many times over in the order. The EAS may be designed to deliver emergency presidential messages on a national scale, but most emergencies occur at the state and local levels, the order noted in several places. The FNPRM asks what should be done to mend the disconnect.
Shippers' NewsWire reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert Bonner will return to private law practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP after he retires from CBP. The article notes that the law firm states that Bonner would work out of its Los Angeles and Washington offices where he would be a litigator and continue to take a policy role in homeland security, international trade, and customs issues. (SNW dated 11/15/05, www.americanshipper.com.)
The wireless industry wants a voluntary approach to the creation of an effective, ubiquitous public alert system, said industry sources. Industry wants to improve the emergency alert system (EAS) but hopes the govt. sees the wireless platform’s benefits and limitations, sources said.
PALM SPRINGS, Cal. -- Broadband consumer protection and disaster recovery issues dominated telecom discussions at the NARUC meeting here. But NARUC panels on broadband- related policy resolutions either tabled or refocused resolutions when states sparred on how or whether to voice broadband concerns.
Telecom regulators expect to play a key role in a 2006 review of Europe’s new e-communications regulatory framework (NRF), the European Regulators Group’s (ERG’s) incoming head said in an interview. Kip Meek, chief policy partner at the U.K. Office of Communications (Ofcom), vowed as ERG chmn. to keep an “overwhelming focus” on substantive issues related to the review. A particular matter Meek wants to pursue is the amount of harmonization appropriate in national methods for deciding when to regulate a given market.
Telecom regulators expect to play a key role in a 2006 review of Europe’s new e-communications regulatory framework (NRF), the European Regulators Group’s (ERG’s) incoming head said in an interview. Kip Meek, chief policy partner at the U.K. Office of Communications (Ofcom), vowed as ERG chmn. to keep an “overwhelming focus” on substantive issues related to the review. A particular matter Meek wants to pursue is the amount of harmonization appropriate in national methods for deciding when to regulate a given market (CD Nov 14 p6).
All of Trinity’s TV stations are seeking FCC permission to temporarily stop broadcasting when an emergency alert system (EAS) bulletin is triggered. The request for a Commission letter of EAS nonparticipation covers about 28 stations licensed to the religious broadcaster, said Colby May, a lawyer representing Trinity. The stations, which lack a nightly local news broadcast, will instead broadcast “banners” directing viewers to a rival in the same market to get information during emergencies, Colby told us. Several other stations -- including 2 owned by National Minority TV and one licensed to Jacksonville (Fla.) Educators Broadcasting -- requested a similar exemption.
TUNIS, Tunisia -- Consensus is emerging on some Internet governance issues as the 2nd World Summit of the Information Society draws near, but agreement remains elusive on the key issue of ICANN oversight, officials here said. Following the first night sessions at the resumed Preparatory Committee (Prepcom) Sun., Canada presented a paper with 10 consensus points, closely resembling WSIS I principles. But changes in oversight and the 13 root zone servers and root zone file remain hotly debated with no solution in sight.