The inspiration for this article was a decision a few months ago by the FCC to slap a huge fine on ABC Affiliates for violating obscenity rules in airing an episode of “NYPD”.   The FCC Order, although extremely descriptive about the nudity, sparked my curiosity. 

"………The camera shot includes a full view of her buttocks and [...]

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Abstract:
 
We have previously opined that the highly touted 700 MHz auction was a win for the U.S. government (almost $20B was raised) and Google (open access rules for C block w/o spending a dime).  Yet it was a big loss for public safety. 
 
Based on a post auction spectrum analysis from a well placed source, we [...]

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Last night, winners of the "beachfront property" FCC 700MHz auction were finally permitted to reveal their plans for using the spectrum obtained.  AT&T and Verizon won most of the licenses, spending a combined $16 billion.  As anticipated, the wireless giants aim to build faster wireless broadband networks capable of delivering high-speed data, voice, video and [...]

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I have always appreciated Alan Weissberger’s ability to analyze and write about complex technical challenges. He is never afraid to take a strong view on a topic. A former FCC Commissioner commented on one of his articles by stating, “Your articles were right on target and I very much enjoyed them.” 
Further, Weissberger is quoted in the 3/28 [...]

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The FCC finally issued an order for operators requesting waivers with regards to separable security.   The 25+ operators requesting one of the waivers were given until February 17th, 2009 to move to an all-digital system. 
The interesting thing is that IPTV operators, although inherently all-digital, are going to have to offer a separable security solution that [...]

Popularity: 15% [?]

Abstract
Promoted as the most important FCC auction in decades, it appears that the 700 MHz auction has been a failure on several fronts.  We were promised private operator-public safety partnerships (for the D Block) along with a new nationwide wireless broadband network (Frontline Wireless’ initiative), open access for any device and any application (Google’s petition), [...]

Popularity: 38% [?]

The FCC released three studies regarding on the topic of licensed versus unlicensed spectrum. These could be very critical policy papers that shape the future of spectrum allocation and are important for Congress to read. Interesting timing, as their release comes during the 700 MHz bidding process. Of particular interest, is Working Report #43, which looks at the [...]

Popularity: 15% [?]

[Editor's Note:  Bob Primosch is a Partner with the communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, Washington, D.C. (rprimosch at wbklaw dot com)]
Last week the FCC released new rules cutting the rates independent programmers must pay to lease channels on cable systems.  Under federal law, cable systems must set aside up to 15% of [...]

Popularity: 15% [?]

[Editor's Note:  Bob Primosch is a Partner with the communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, Washington, D.C. (rprimosch at wbklaw dot com):
The FCC is considering whether to prevent local television stations from requiring cable operators to carry extra programming services as a quid pro quo for giving retransmission consent.  Likewise, the FCC also [...]

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[Editor's Note:  Bob Primosch is a Partner with the communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, Washington, D.C. (rprimosch at wbklaw dot com):
I have heard that there may be some confusion over the FCC’s new viewability requirements for cable systems that carry DTV signals.  This has nothing to do with multicast must-carry, which remains [...]

Popularity: 14% [?]