FCC
FCC Approves SCS Framework, 'All-In' Pricing, New Emergency Code
Republican Commissioners dissented from the all-in pricing rules.
Expert Opinion
Ted Hearn: Is a Ban on Cable and Satellite ‘Junk Fees’ Rate Regulation?
The Federal Communications Commission says no.
Robocall
Experts Discuss Enforcement Against Imposter Fraud, Other Consumer Protection Issues
Imposter fraud is a particularly predatory offshoot of robocalling, often involving extremely sophisticated scams.
Joe Biden’s Federal Communications Transition Team, C-Spire Expands, Elliott Management and AT&T
Four Federal Communications Commission veterans, including former FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, have been appointed to President-elect Joe Biden’s FCC transition team, which was announced on Monday. See “Mignon Clyburn, Coy on Future Federal Communications Commission Role, Says Agency Lacks Autho
Expert Opinion
Jessica Ward: Which Media Streaming Device is Best?
July 7, 2016 – Since 2008, the ability to “cut the cord” has existed with the help of devices allowing us to stream Netflix directly to our TVs. From 2008 to 2013, the idea that this technology could actually replace Pay TV (cable and satellite) seemed absurd. Fast forward to 2014 when the percentag
Intellectual Property
FCC Chairman Wheeler: Internet TV Providers Should Be Regulated Like Cable TV Providers
WASHINGTON, November 4, 2014 – Internet television services like the constantly beleaguered Aereo may soon be regulated like cable TV, if the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has his way. In a recent blog post, Tom Wheeler stated the possibility of making the rules that govern video
Net Neutrality
Broadband Roundup: Tech Companies Support Muni Broadband, Open Internet A Civil Rights Issue, Former AT&T Partners Caution Against DirecTV Bid
WASHINGTON, September 22, 2014 – The Internet Association asked the Federal Communications Commission to carefully consider blocking state laws that inhibit municipalities from enlarging their government run Internet networks, The Hill reported. The association, while abstaining from directly asking
Broadband's Impact
Three Women in Communications Policy Highlight Citizen Participation, Activism and Engagement for Broadband
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., September 22, 2014 – Three of the most prominent women in communications policy on Thursday highlighted the vital role of citizen participation, activism and corporate engagement to ensure a collective high-speed broadband future. “The next six to eight months are perhaps going t
Broadband Data
Broadband Roundup: Caution on E-Rate, Merger Review Teams at FCC, and a New Akamai Internet Speed Report
WASHINGTON, July 8, 2014 – Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O’Rielly supports modernizing the E-Rate program, but not if it means increasing the “ever growing strain on [the average American’s] pocketbook,” he wrote in a blog post Monday. The solution to increasing the program size, O’Rie
FCC
Executives at AT&T and DirecTV Defend Their Broadband Merger Against its Critics
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2014 – AT&T and DirecTV have no doubt their merger will actually strengthen broadband, competition and consumer choice, contrary to naysayers. Both companies had to fend off fears of market consolidation in back-to-back hearings on Tuesday, June 24, before the House Judiciary Com
Broadband's Impact
House Committee: Convergence is Common in Communications Industries, So Why Not Regulatory Convergence?
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2014 – The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently released a white paper that seeks public comment on competition in the communications and technology sectors, as well as what role the FCC should have in regulating the sectors. The paper pointed to a rapidly evolving digita
Big Tech
Broadband Roundup: AT&T-DirecTV Merger and its Impact on the Marketplace
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2014 – AT&T announced that it would acquire DirecTV in a $48.5 billion deal, according to multiple sources. The agreement may allow AT&T to position itself in a way to rival cable firms. AT& would acquire about 20 million of DirecTV’s customers. The Washington Post recounts that
Big Tech
Federal Communications Commission To Update Media Marketplace Rules
WASHINGTON, March 4, 2011 — The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday moved to tweak the rules governing the terms on which cable companies and satellite operators can re-transmit the signals of broadcasters in the wake of several high-profile disputes that often left consumers in the dark a
FCC
Telecom Companies Are Using Fight Interrupting Oscar Ceremony Broadcast To Manipulate Public and FCC, Argue Broadcasters
SAN FRANCISCO – U.S. telecom companies are using a high profile programming dispute this March to manipulate public opinion to skew the rules regarding retransmission consent fees against the broadcasting industry, its lawyers argued in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission earlier thi
Universal Service
Industry and Consumers Clash at FCC Over Cell Phone Fees
June 12 – Industry and consumer groups butted heads at the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday over early termination fees, or charges imposed on the customers of communications services prior to the expiration of their contract.
