Today Consumers Union is launching an innovative new Website,=20
www.HearUsNow.org to help consumers navigate issues like cell phone mergers=
=20
by providing consumer tips, how-to advice and policy analysis on the full=20
array of communication issues, including traditional phones, wireless=20
service, the Internet and broadband, radio-TV-cable, and digital content.
NEWS FROM THE FCC
FCC Rolls Back Network Sharing Rules for Bells
FCC to Examine Ban on Using Cellular Telephones on
Airborne Aircraft
FCC Paves the Way for New Broadband Services in the Air
Wideband & Ultra-wideband Devices
Funding for Rural Telemedicine Services
Deployment of Broadband Communications on Weasels
MORE FCC-RELATED NEWS
FCC Won't Stifle Satellite Stern
The FCC=92s Five Years of Inaction on Public Interest Obligations
of Digital Broadcasters
800 MHz Rebanding Order Near Decision at the FCC
Covad, Verizon Rework DSL Deal
The Internet's Biggest Foe
BROADCASTING
Pubcasters Struggle to Agree on Unified Trust Fund Proposal
TV's Future May Be Web Search Engines That Hunt for Video
QUICKLY -- Spam Law is Unconstitutional; Media Campaign for Gov Openness
Digital Radio Rollout; Restricting Video Game Sales;
The Fight of a Local Paper; Is the Internet truly Global?
REACTION TO NEXTEL-SPRINT MERGER ANNOUNCEMENT
NETWORK UNBUNDLING OBLIGATIONS
NEWS FROM THE FCC
FCC ROLLS BACK NETWORK SHARING RULES FOR BELLS
In a 3-2 vote, the FCC has decided Baby Bells are not required to share=20
their telecommunications switching gear with competitors. By limiting=20
unbundling the Commission aims to "provide incentives for both incumbent=20
carriers and new entrants to invest in the telecommunications market in a=20
way that best allows for innovation and sustainable competition," as the=20
Press release reads. Without the discounts on switch leasing, competitors=20
will have to buy their own switching equipment or re-negotiate leases with=
=20
the Bells. The FCC plans to ease the transition into the new rules over the=
=20
next year, setting the beginning of 2006 as its target to complete the=20
changes. During this period, competitors will not be allowed to add new=20
customers piggybacking on the incumbent's switches. Commissioners Copps and=
=20
Adelstein dissented; the decision "effectively dismantles wireline=20
competition," Copps wrote warning that "consumers will face less=20
competition, higher rates and fewer service choices." Adelstein wrote that=
=20
the decision "officially cuts the cord on the local competition provisions=
=20
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the companies and investors which=20
sought to deliver on the promise of the Act, and the American consumers -=20
to whom that promise was made."
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Jim Hu]
http://news.com.com/FCC+rolls+back+network+sharing+rules+for+Bells/2100-...
_3-5492092.html?tag=3Dnefd.top
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-255344A1.doc
There's a lot of coverage and reaction to this decision which you will find=
=20
under the "Network Unbundling Obligations" at the end of this email.
FCC TO EXAMINE BAN ON USING CELLULAR TELEPHONES ON AIRBORNE AIRCRAFT
The FCC proposed to relax its current ban on the use of cellular telephones=
=20
on airborne aircraft. The Commission addressed policy and technical options=
=20
for permitting controlled use of cellular handsets and other wireless=20
devices in airborne aircraft as a means to increase communication options=20
available to the traveling public as well as public safety personnel. The=20
Commission's rules currently require that cellular handsets be turned off=20
once an aircraft leaves the ground to avoid interfering with terrestrial=20
cellular systems. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations also=20
currently restrict the use of mobile telephones and other portable=20
electronic devices (PEDs) on aircraft to ensure against interference to=20
onboard communications and navigation equipment. The Commission cautioned=20
that any steps it ultimately takes with respect to the use of cellular and=
=20
other wireless devices aboard aircraft would be subject to the rules and=20
policies of the FAA and aircraft operators. Specifically, the Commission=20
proposed to permit the airborne operation of "off the shelf" wireless=20
handsets and other devices so long as the device operates at its lowest=20
power setting under control of a "pico cell" located on the aircraft, and=20
the operation does not allow unwanted radio frequency emissions to=20
interfere with terrestrial cellular systems. The Commission asked for=20
public comment on whether the proposal should apply only to devices=20
operating in 800 MHz cellular spectrum, or whether devices operating on=20
other spectrum bands, such as the PCS band or Advanced Wireless Services=20
bands, should be included. The Commission also asked for public comment on=
=20
ways that the 800 MHz cellular spectrum could be used to provide a=20
communications "pipe" between airborne aircraft and the ground. This could=
=20
include whether the current FCC restriction could be replaced by an=20
industry-developed standard that would guard against harmful interference=20
to both airborne and terrestrial systems through appropriate technical and=
=20
operational limitations.
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-255246A1.doc
This item has gotten a lot of press a la "ya wanna sit next to a baby or an=
=20
obnoxious cell phone user during a long flight." But we are likely a year=20
or more away from a change in FCC rules no less FAA rules.
Also see:
Feds move on wireless Web, cell phones in flight
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Marguerite Reardon and Ben Charny]
http://news.com.com/Feds+move+on+wireless+Web%2C+cell+phones+in+flight/2...
1039_3-5491802.html?tag=3Dnefd.top
FCC PAVES THE WAY FOR NEW BROADBAND SERVICES IN THE AIR
The FCC adopted a plan for help bring broadband services to the traveling=20
public onboard aircraft by licensing the 4 MHz of spectrum in the 800 MHz=20
band currently dedicated to commercial air-ground service. The=20
Commission's action aims at to greater technical, economic, and marketplace=
=20
efficiency for this spectrum. Under the licensing approach adopted by the=20
Commission, the final band configuration will be determined by the winning=
=20
bidders at auction. New licenses will be awarded to high bidders for the=20
two licenses comprising the configuration that receives the highest=20
aggregate gross bid, subject to review of post-auction license=20
applications. The Commission decided to auction new licenses for this=20
spectrum in three possible band plan configurations and proposed auction=20
rules for this spectrum. To further competition and ensure maximum use of=20
the frequency band for air-ground services, the Commission imposed an=20
eligibility limitation to prevent a single entity from holding new licenses=
=20
for all 4 MHz of air-ground spectrum. Commissioner Copps warned that the=20
plan could mean one company can lock up the only license that can support a=
=20
true broadband air-to-ground service. The "result might be a feast for the=
=20
monopolist," he wrote, "but it's famine for consumers."
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-255345A1.doc
Read statement from Commissioner Copps at:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-255246A3.doc
Coverage --
WSJ
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB110312683433800925,00.html?mod=3Dtoda...
s_personal_journal
WIDEBAND & ULTRA-WIDEBAND DEVICES
The FCC adopted rules aimed at further facilitating the introduction of new=
=20
unlicensed wideband devices. These devices will include radar systems to=20
improve automotive safety and tracking systems for personnel location, such=
=20
as hospital patients and emergency rescue crews, as well as for functions=20
such as inventory control. The Commission previously established=20
regulations that permit the marketing and operation of certain types of new=
=20
products incorporating ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. UWB technology can=
=20
be employed for a vast array of new applications that have the potential to=
=20
provide significant benefits for public safety, businesses and consumers.
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-255351A1.doc
See also:
FCC to Monitor Cable=92s UWB Concerns
Cable programmers argued that without proper restrictions, UWB could cause=
=20
harmful interference to cable signals sent via satellite to 9,000 cable=20
headends around the country. Some broadcasters raised identical concerns.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA488241.html?display=3DBreaking+New...
ferral=3DSUPP
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)
FUNDING FOR RURAL TELEMEDICINE SERVICES
The FCC expanded its program to bring up-to-date medical services and=20
information to rural areas through telecommunications. The Rural Health=20
Care Support Mechanism program is authorized to provide up to $400 million=
=20
in telemedicine funding annually to ensure that health care providers=20
serving rural communities pay no more than their urban counterparts for=20
telecommunications essential to the provision of services. The program=20
provides discounts on monthly telecommunications charges, satellite=20
services for mobile medical clinics in rural areas, and Internet access.=20
With program expenditures below the annual limit, the Commission has taken=
=20
numerous steps to increase use of the program. The Commission: 1) Redefined=
=20
what constitutes a rural area to better target small towns and villages=20
while still maintaining a focus on the areas with the most need; 2)=20
Increased discounts available to mobile rural health care providers for the=
=20
purchase of mobile satellite telecommunications services; and 3)=20
Streamlined the application process by setting an annual June 30 deadline=20
for applications. The Commission also launched a further rulemaking=20
examining whether a flat 25% discount for Internet services is sufficient=20
and whether network infrastructure should be funded under the rural health=
=20
care mechanism.
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-255348A1.doc
DEPLOYMENT OF BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS ON WEASELS
Oh, whoops, make that "vessels" -- not that we're against broadband for=20
weasels... we want broadband for all carnivorous mammals.
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-255347A1.doc
MORE FCC-RELATED NEWS
FCC WON'T STIFLE SATELLITE STERN
The FCC declined to open a proceeding on whether satellite radio is=20
indecent, saying that it is a subscription service and that the agency has=
=20
already ruled that such services "do not call into play the issue of=20
indecency." L.A.-based Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters asked the FCC to modify=20
its Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service Rules to include an indecency=20
provision analogous to that for over-the-air broadcasters, or alternately=20
to loosen the restrictions on those traditional broadcasters.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/CA488198.html&referral=3DSUPP
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)
See also:
Satellite-Radio Ruling a Break for Cable
The FCC=92s decision, issued by Media Bureau chief Kenneth Ferree, was a=
boon=20
for cable because the extension of indecency rules to pay radio could have=
=20
set the stage for spreading them to pay TV providers.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA488210.html?display=3DBreaking+New...
ferral=3DSUPP
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)
* TVWeek
http://www.tvweek.com/news.cms?newsId=3D6925
THE FCC'S FIVE YEARS OF INACTION ON PUBLIC INTEREST OBLIGATIONS OF DIGITAL=
=20
BROADCASTERS
Yesterday the Public Interest, Public Airwaves Coalition [which includes=20
the benton Foundation] marked an unhappy anniversary: It is five years to=20
the day since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Notice=20
of Inquiry into the public interest obligations of broadcasters in the=20
digital age. Five years =AD and the FCC has issued notices and asked for=20
updates, but has refused to issue final rules that address core elements of=
=20
these obligations. The FCC=92s failure to act is an abdication of its=20
responsibility to ensure that the public airwaves benefit the American=20
people. The FCC=92s inaction also flies in the face of the public=92s=
increased=20
alarm with a media landscape controlled by half a dozen corporate giants=20
whose sole goal seems to be increasing profits, and when broadcast coverage=
=20
of local news, public affairs and state and local elections is at an=20
all-time low. The Public Interest, Public Airwaves Coalition calls on FCC=20
Chairman Michael Powell to make a New Year=92s Resolution to schedule action=
=20
in January on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding the public=20
interest obligations of digital broadcasters. Putting this matter on the=20
January Commission meeting agenda is the very least the Chairman can do to=
=20
demonstrate that he understands that his agency=92s first responsibility is=
=20
to the American public.
[SOURCE: Alliance for Better Campaigns Press Statement]
http://bettercampaigns.org/press/release.php?ReleaseID=3D66
800 MHZ REBANDING ORDER NEAR DECISION (AGAIN) AT THE FCC
AN order addressing changes to the FCC=92s 800 MHz rebanding order sought by=
=20
Nextel has started to circulate at the Commission. Sources said the order,=
=20
initiated by the FCC, addresses the key =93decisional=94 issues raised by=20
Nextel in its objections to the order and will likely result in Nextel=20
having to pay $452 million less than originally projected.
[SOURCE: Communications Daily, AUTHOR: Howard Buskirk]
(Not available online)
COVAD, VERIZON REWORK DSL DEAL
With the FCC voting to discontinue requirements for the Bells to share=20
their phone switching gear with competitors, start-up phone services still=
=20
have access to the Bells' copper lines, but they can't lease the Bells'=20
switching equipment at government-set rates. Instead, they'll have to buy=20
their own equipment or negotiate new deals. For little guys such as Covad,=
=20
DSL will be a more difficult market to conquer. While Covad still owns DSL=
=20
lines in some markets, the lion's share of its DSL subscribers use a local=
=20
Bell operator's network. Covad has since turned its attention to the=20
already crowded business of selling phone service to broadband Internet=20
subscribers. Covad will continue to pay government-set leasing rates for=20
the lines it provides to customers who subscribed before November. To serve=
=20
newer customers, Covad will have to pay Verizon the newly negotiated rate.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Jim Hu]
http://news.com.com/Covad%2C+Verizon+rework+DSL+deal/2100-1037_3-5492668...
l?tag=3Dnefd.top
THE INTERNET'S BIGGEST FOE
[Commentary] Despite his self-professed claim of being a "techno-geek," FCC=
=20
Chairman Michael Powell has done everything in his power to restrict=20
American citizens' choice of information and entertainment. He launched a=20
censorship campaign against broadcasting and allowed the near total=20
reconcentration of the broadcast industry into a very few hands. He is=20
championing policies that will gut the nation's market-opening provisions=20
telecommunications law. Several Wall Street analysts predict that in=20
another 12 months, the Bells will recapture 80 percent of the 20 million=20
customers that had chosen to take their business to phone companies that=20
better met their needs. While Powell may point to wireless and Internet=20
telephone service as competitors to the Bells, but the Bells serve over 70%=
=20
of all U.S. consumers who take service from a national wireless carrier and=
=20
alternative competitive platforms all need access to Bells' network lines=20
for the last mile to America's homes and businesses. Throughout his tenure,=
=20
Powell has paid lip service to the benefits of the Internet and new=20
technology. But his policies conflict with his rhetoric. In truth, he has=20
been captured by the four Bell companies and done their bidding. Because=20
Powell's record proves conclusively that he is hostile to President Bush's=
=20
stated goals of promoting entrepreneurship, technology deployment and, most=
=20
important, individual freedom and liberty, Powell clearly does not deserve=
=20
to serve in the second Bush administration.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Lawrence Spiwak, president of the Phoenix=
=20
Center for Advanced Legal and Economic Public Policy Studies]
http://news.com.com/The+Internets+biggest+foe/2010-1028_3-5491523.html?tag=
=3Dnefd.ac
BROADCASTING
PUBCASTERS STRUGGLE TO AGREE ON UNIFIED TRUST FUND PROPOSAL
Public broadcasters share a common goal: they want more money. But they=20
can't seem to agree on how to get it. The Association of Public TV Stations=
=20
(APTS) has been spearheading a proposal for a trust fund proposal created=20
by voluntary, early return of stations=92 analog spectrum. APTS wants the=20
fund to supplement federal appropriations, be directed to stations and be=20
used to create digital educational content. PBS has created an advisory=20
committee to examine ways to increase funding looking at a possible trust=20
fund, but other options as well. The panel could issue recommendations=20
before April including the size of the fund, the voluntary nature of early=
=20
spectrum return by public TV stations and to what extent public radio=20
stations would benefit. Former PBS President Larry Grossman and former FCC=
=20
Chairman Newton Minow have also worked tirelessly on a trust fund proposal;=
=20
they believe Congress won't accept a trust fund that focuses only on public=
=20
broadcasters.
[SOURCE: Communications Daily, AUTHOR: Dinesh Kumar]
(Not available online)
See also:
* Broadcasting&Cable
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA488249?display=3DBreaking+New...
ferral=3DSUPP
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)
TV'S FUTURE MAY BE WEB SEARCH ENGINES THAT HUNT FOR VIDEO
The startup search engine Blinkx today will begin allowing users to search=
=20
the Web for selected video clips from 15 television channels. Today, these=
=20
offerings are novelties in the competitive and expanding Web-search=20
industry. But the long-term implications go far beyond the search function.=
=20
Some search companies aspire to offer video programs directly to consumers=
=20
via their computer screens and eventually on TV, potentially competing with=
=20
TV networks and other video distributors. But to fulfill these larger=20
ambitions, Internet companies will have to resolve legal and licensing=20
issues with creators and distributors of TV and other video, who closely=20
guard the dissemination of their wares over the Internet.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Kevin J. Delaney=20
kevin.delaney( at )wsj.com and Martin Peers martin.peers( at )wsj.com]
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB110314966721301333,00.html?mod=3Dtoda...
s_marketplace
(requires subscription)
QUICKLY (OK, the irony of using that word today is not lost)
Antispam Law Ruled Unconstitutional
A Maryland judge has tossed out a lawsuit against an alleged spammer,=20
saying a state law restricting unsolicited e-mail is unconstitutional=20
because it unfairly restricts interstate commerce.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Declan McCullagh]
http://news.com.com/Antispam+law+ruled+unconstitutional/2100-1030_3-5491...
html?tag=3Dnefd.top
Media To Campaign For Government Openness
Starting on March 13, newspapers, magazines, radio stations, Web sites and=
=20
television stations will participate in "Sunshine Week," an unprecedented=20
national effort to educate the public about the importance of government=20
openness.
[SOURCE: Radio Ink]
http://www.radioink.com/HeadlineEntry.asp?hid=3D126323&pt=3Dtodaysnews
Broadcast Execs To Unveil Accelerated HD Radio Rollout Plans At CES
Broadcast industry leaders from Bonneville, Clear Channel, Cox, Entercom=20
and Radio One will disclose nation-wide high-definition radio conversion=20
plans during a press conference on January 5, 2005 at the International=20
Consumer Electronics Show.
[SOURCE: Radio Ink ]
http://www.radioink.com/HeadlineEntry.asp?hid=3D126324&pt=3Dtodaysnews
A Push to Restrict Sales of Video Games
Decrying violence in fast-selling video games, Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D)=20
wants Illinois to make it illegal for anyone younger than 18 to buy violent=
=20
or sexually explicit games. Among the targets would be the Grand Theft Auto=
=20
series, Halo 2 and Mortal Kombat.
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: Peter Slevin]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3131-2004Dec15.html
(requires registration)
Letting Story, Not Money, Guide Light
A local newspaper struggles financially, a community responds.
[SOURCE: Los Angeles Times, AUTHOR: Michael Hiltzik]
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-golden16dec16,1,75599...
olumn?coll=3Dla-headlines-pe-business
(requires registration)
Is the Internet truly Global?
Isn't it time the Internet started handling non-Roman characters?
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Winston Chai]
http://news.com.com/Is+the+Internet+truly+global/2010-1038_3-5491681.htm...
g=3Dnefd.ac
REACTION TO NEXTEL-SPRINT MERGER ANNOUNCEMENT
Taking On Giants, Sprint Nextel Seeks to Exploit Wireless Growth
Behind the $35 billion merger deal between Sprint and Nextel is a powerful=
=20
force: Many people want to drop their phone lines. The biggest cellphone=20
service providers are also in the fixed-line business, so it isn't in their=
=20
interest to encourage customers to cut their wires. But the new Sprint=20
Nextel won't have that entanglement because wireless will account for about=
=20
80% of its revenues. The company, a combination of two former also-rans=20
that reversed their fortunes in the past two years, will urge customers not=
=20
only to unplug their phones but also to try high-speed wireless Internet=20
access.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Jesse Drucker jesse.drucker( at )wsj.com,=
=20
Almar Latour almar.latour( at )wsj.com & Dennis K. Berman dennis.berman( at )wsj.com ]
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB110316035776401667,00.html?mod=3Dtoda...
s_page_one
(requires subscription)
Also --
Can Sprint Keep
Nextel Customers Happy?
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB110315036403601355,00.html?mod=3Dtoda...
s_marketplace
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3547-2004Dec15.html
USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20041216/1a_lede16.art.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20041216/1b_sprintnextel.art.htm
LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-sprintel16dec16,1,470...
.story?coll=3Dla-headlines-pe-business
NYTimes
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/16/business/16phone.html
Communications Workers of America Calls for Scrutiny of Sprint, Nextel=20
Wireless Merger
http://www.cwa-union.org/news/PressReleaseDisplay.asp?ID=3D469
Sprint-Nextel Merger is Another Blow to Consumers' Pocketbooks
"This merger will do little for consumers, but most importantly, it signals=
=20
the likely end to the possibility of building vibrant wireless competition=
=20
to the dominant, local Bell telephone companies,=94 said Gene Kimmelman,=20
senior director of public policy for Consumers Union. =93In giving a green=
=20
light to Cingular-ATT Wireless, the government effectively established a=20
=91three companies is enough=92 standard for wireless competition,=94=
Kimmelman=20
added. =93Under this approach we fear the cell phone market will start to=20
function the way the cable and satellite market has, where prices go up=20
year in and year out due to lack of competition.=94
=93The fact that Sprint and Nextel customers=92 phones likely won=92t be=20
compatible on the combined network will be a major headache and expense for=
=20
consumers,=94 said Janee Briesemeister, Consumers Union senior policy=20
analyst. =93Given this enormous consumer expense, and the fact that=20
competitive pressures diminish substantially in this consolidated market,=20
we=92re renewing our call on the FCC to ensure that all new cell phones that=
=20
come into the market can be used by all providers.=94
http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_telecom_and_utilities/001731.html...
e
NETWORK UNBUNDLING OBLIGATIONS
Small Telecoms Losing Mandated Line Discounts
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3545-2004Dec15.html
Local phone competition ruling could raise rates
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20041216/phone16.art.htm
FCC Deals Blow to Bell Rivals
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-phones16dec16,1,50604...
tory?coll=3Dla-headlines-pe-business
Big Bells Allowed to Charge Rivals More for Line Access
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/16/technology/16rates.html
FCC Votes to End Many Discounts Bells Give Rivals
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB110316093190501689,00.html?mod=3Dtoda...
s_marketplace
Assistant Secretary Gallagher's statement on FCC rules authorizing=20
deployment of ultrawideband technology.
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2004/mdgstatement_12152004.html
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Association for Local Telecommunications Services Criticizes the FCC For=20
Failing to Adopt a Bipartisan Order that Promotes Facilities-Based=
Competition
http://206.161.82.210/altsbiz/webmodules/articles/ispviewer.asp?a=3D1225&z=
=3D41
CompTel/ASCENT disappointed that the FCC could not reach an acceptable=20
compromise in this critical proceeding.
http://www.comptelascent.org/news/recent-news/121504.html
FCC Order Continues Eight Year Regulatory Two-Step
http://www.usta.org/news_releases.php?urh=3Dhome.news.nr2004_1215
United States Telecom Association
--------------------------------------------------------------