Category: Regulatory
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FCC’s “All IP” Network Transitions Trials – What to Expect
Introduction: At its January 30th Open Commission Meeting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve a petition AT&T had filed (in November 2012) to conduct trials of an “all-Internet Protocol (IP) network” that would eventually replace the PSTN and TDM networks now used extensively in the U.S. The transition will be from plain Plain…
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All-IP Network Transition Plan at FCC’s Jan 30th Open Commission Meeting
Introduction: During his January 8th speech at the Computer History Museum (CHM) , FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler told the CHM audience that the U.S. was in a transition to a “4th Network Revolution” that would be led by a transition to an “all-IP” network. The 4th Network is actually a multi-faceted revolution based on IP based packet…
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Net Neutrality Ruling – The Beginning of the End or the End of the Beginning?
In his January 8th speech at the Computer History Musuem (CHM), F.C.C. Chairman Tom Wheeler said we were in the midst of a transition to a “4th Generation Network” which had an “Open Internet” as it’s foundation. The concept of net neutrality– where there are no privileges or added costs or special deals for high bandwidth…
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FCC Delays Reverse Auction till 2015; Spectrum Aggregation & Ownership Limits?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has delayed the “Broadcast Television Spectrum Incentive Auction” until 2015. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler published a blog post Friday announcing the delay, saying he hopes the auction will take place in mid-2015. The FCC had set a goal of completing the auction in 2014 and we thought this would be the top…
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How is the Public Interest Served When Broadcasters Depict Illegal Behavior with No Consequences?
A recent episode of CBS’ hit series, Two Broke Girls, was thought-provoking; thought-provoking in the sense that it made me ponder, “In 2013, what is the public interest with regards to television broadcasters?” That is, does it serve the public interest when a prime time (8:30/7:30 pm Monday), entertainment television program depicts behavior which is…
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New FCC Chair Tom Wheeler Faces Challenges in 2014
The Senate voted unanimously to confirm President Obama’s two nominations to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), overcoming obstacles by Republican lawmakers, especially TX Senator Ted Cruz. Tom Wheeler was confirmed as FCC Chairman along with Michael O’Reilly as a commissioner. That filled the two F.C.C. seats that have been empty since the previous chairman (Julius Genachowski)…