FCC Annual Telecom Industry Revenue Report

FCC RELEASES ANNUAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY
REVENUE REPORT. In
2004, the industry reported $292 billion in revenues,
a increase of
less
than 1% from 2003's $291 billion.. Action by:
Industry analysis &
Technology Division, WCB by REPORT. WCB
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-264669A1.pdf>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-264669A1.txt>

FEC Internet Communications

http://www.fec.gov/agenda/2006/mtgdoc06-20.pdf

"The Federal Election Commission is amending its rules
to include paid advertisements on the Internet in the
definition of “public communication.” These final
rules implement the recent decision of the U.S.
District Court for the District of Columbia in Shays
v. 12 Federal Election Commission, which held that the
previous definition of “public communication”
impermissibly excluded all Internet communications.
The revised definition of “public communication”
includes paid Internet advertising placed on another
person’s website, but does not encompass any other
form of Internet communication. The Commission is also
repromulgating without change its definition of
“generic campaign activity” and amending the scope of
its disclaimer regulations, both..."

TW Petition that CLECs May Interconnect to Provide Wholesdale Telecom to VoIP Providers

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-534A1.doc

http://www.cybertelecom.org/voip/tw.htm

Comments Due March 27 Reply Due April 11

On March 1, 2006, Time Warner Cable (TWC) filed a
petition for declaratory ruling requesting that the
Commission affirm that competitive local exchange
carriers (LECs) are entitled to interconnect with
incumbent LECs pursuant to Section 251 of the
Communications Act of 1934 (the Act), as amended, for
the purpose of exchanging traffic on behalf of
VoIP-based providers. TWC asserts that the public
service commissions of South Carolina and Nebraska
misinterpreted the statute when issuing decisions
finding, among other things, that competitive LECs
providing wholesale telecommunications services to
other service providers are not “telecommunications
carriers” for the purposes of Section 251 of the Act,
and, therefore, are not entitled to interconnect with
incumbent LECs. Specifically, TWC argues that
competitive LECs selling telecommunications services
on a wholesale basis are telecommunications carriers
and are entitled to interconnection under Section 251.

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Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy www.cybertelecom.org

A Million Voices for Darfur
http://capwiz.com/churchworld/issues/alert/?alertid=8513761

RFC: Proposals for Modifying 700 MHz Public Safety Spectrum to Accommodate Broadband Communications

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-34A1.doc

http://www.cybertelecom.org/broadband/w700.htm

In this Eighth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Eighth
NPRM), we seek comment on whether certain channels
within the current twenty-four megahertz of public
safety spectrum in the 700 MHz public safety band
(764-776 MHz and 794-806 MHz), should be modified to
accommodate broadband communications. This action is
consistent with national priorities focusing on
homeland security and broadband and our commitment to
ensure that emergency first responders have access to
reliable and interoperable communications.

Nearly a decade ago, the Commission, at the direction
of Congress, reallocated twenty four megahertz of the
700 MHz band from television broadcast services to
public safety communications services. Congress
contemplated that this spectrum would be available for
public safety use as early as December 31, 2006, or as
soon as existing TV stations vacate the spectrum as
part of the transition to digital television (DTV). In
discharging its Congressional mandate to establish
licensing and service rules for this reallocated
spectrum, the Commission established a flexible
regulatory framework for public safety use of the 700
MHz band “ to enable public safety organizations to
effectively use this new allocation for a variety of
operational modes (voice, data, image/high speed data
(hsd), and video) .” In designing this regulatory
framework, the Commission sought to balance the need
for “standardization necessary to achieve nationwide
interoperability, the development of competitive
equipment markets, and the degree of regional
flexibility necessary to allow entities the
opportunity to fashion approaches tailored to meet the
individual needs of diverse regional communities .”
Consistent with these principles, the Commission has
made great progress towards ensuring different
governmental agencies have the ability to communicate
across jurisdictions . Although in many parts of the
nation this spectrum remains unavailable for public
safety use, Congress recognized in the Intelligence
Reform and Terrorist Prevention Act of 2004
(Intelligence Reform Act) that this spectrum is
“ideal” for providing first responders with
interoperable communications channels. As part of the
Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Congress has
established February 17, 2009 as the date for the
completion of the transition from analog to digital
broadcast transmissions. Accordingly, it is imperative
that once this spectrum is cleared of incumbent
broadcasters, that the public safety community be able
to fully utilize this spectrum.

Recently Congress asked the Commission, in
consultation with the Department of Homeland Security
and the National Telecommunications Information
Administration, to undertake a study and prepare a
report assessing the short-term and long-term spectrum
needs of emergency responders, including the potential
for nationwide interoperable broadband mobile
communications networks. In the Report to Congress
submitted pursuant to Section 7502 of the Intelligence
Reform Act, it was recognized that broadband
communications applications offer the public safety
community a number of benefits, including video
surveillance, real-time text messaging and e-mail,
high resolution digital images and the ability to
obtain location and status information of personnel
and equipment in the field. The Report found that
emergency response providers would benefit from
development of an integrated, interoperable network
capable of delivering broadband services nationwide.
The Report also found that the Commission should
investigate whether some local broadband operations
could be carried out within the existing 700 MHz
public safety band.
It is our objective in this Eighth NPRM to determine
whether we should modify the public safety portion of
the 700 MHz band to accommodate broadband
communications, and if so, how. We seek to develop
policies that ensure that emergency first responders
possess the communications resources needed to
successfully carry out their mission . Broadband
technologies, which encompass high-speed digital
technologies, hold the potential to provide public
safety entities integrated access to voice and
high-speed data capabilities. A technology that can
dramatically reduce the time it takes to access
information during emergencies can mean the difference
between life and death. Accordingly, in this Eighth
NPRM, we describe the current configuration of the 700
MHz band and solicit comment on whether certain
channels within the current 700 MHz public safety band
should be modified to accommodate broadband
communications. We also discuss and seek comment on
specific band proposals offered by Lucent
Technologies, Inc. (Lucent), Motorola, Inc.
(Motorola), and the National Public Safety
Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) to rechannelize
twelve megahertz of the 700 MHz public safety band to
provide for broadband applications . In addition, we
offer parties the opportunity to update the record on
wideband interoperability issues that were raised in
the Seventh Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Seventh
NPRM) in this proceeding.

The Commission has defined “Interoperability” as “an
essential communications link within public safety and
public service wireless communications systems which
permits units from two or more different entities to
interact with one another and to exchange information
according to a prescribed method in order to achieve
predictable results.” See Development of Operational,
Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting
Federal, State and Local Public Safety Agency
Communications Requirements Through the Year 2010, WT
Docket No. 96-86, First Report and Order and Third
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 14 FCC Rcd 152, 189-90
¶ 76 (1998) (First Report and Order); 47 C.F.R. §
90.7.

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Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy www.cybertelecom.org

A Million Voices for Darfur
http://capwiz.com/churchworld/issues/alert/?alertid=8513761

Verizon's Petition for Forebearance

Subject: VERIZON TELEPHONE COMPANIES' PETITION FOR
FORBEARANCE FROM
TITLE II AND COMPUTER INQUIRY RULES WITH RESPECT TO
THEIR BROADBAND
SERVICES IS GRANTED BY OPERATION OF LAW
The Verizon telephone companies (Verizon) filed a
petition for forbearance from Title II of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and the
Commission's Computer Inquiry rules on December 20,
2004. On December 19, 2005, the Commission extended
the forbearance deadline to March 19, 2006. Verizon
amended its petition on February 7 and February 17th,
2006. Section 10(c) provides that a forbearance
petition “shall be deemed granted if the Commission
does not deny the petition for failure to meet the
requirements for forbearance under subsection (a)
within one year after the Commission receives it,
unless the one year period is extended by the
Commission.” This is to inform the public that,
pursuant to section 10(c), the relief requested in
VerizonÂ’s petition was deemed granted by operation of
law, effective March 19, 2006.

Docket No.: 04-440.

Wireline Competition Bureau Staff Contact: William
Kehoe 202-418-1580, william.kehoe@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-264436A1.doc

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Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy www.cybertelecom.org

A Million Voices for Darfur
http://capwiz.com/churchworld/issues/alert/?alertid=8513761

Comprehensive Review of Accounting Requirements and ARMIS

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS AND
ARMIS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INCUMBENT LOCAL
EXCHANGE CARRIERS: PHASE I. Adopted
a limited, one-time waiver of section 64.904 of the
Commission's rules to permit all carriers that are
subject to the independent audit requirement to file,
on April 1, 2006, two annual audit reports
covering each of the prior two years. (Dkt No.
99-253). Action by:
Associate Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau. Adopted:
03/23/2006 by
ORDER. (DA No. 06-643). WCB
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-643A1.doc>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-643A1.pdf>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-643A1.txt>

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Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy www.cybertelecom.org

A Million Voices for Darfur
http://capwiz.com/churchworld/issues/alert/?alertid=8513761

FCC Sunshine Notice :: Children's TV Obligations :: Public Safety Spectrum :: New Public Safety Bureau

March 10, 2006

FCC TO HOLD OPEN COMMISSION MEETING
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2006

The Federal Communications Commission will hold an
Open Meeting on the subjects listed below on Friday,
March 17, 2006, which is scheduled to commence at 9:30
a.m. in Room TW-C305, at 445 12th Street, S.W.,
Washington, D.C.

ITEM NO. BUREAU SUBJECT
1 MEDIA TITLE: Children’s Television Obligations of
Digital Television Broadcasters (MM Docket No.
00-167).
SUMMARY: The Commission will consider a Second
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning the
Joint Proposal of Industry and Advocates on
Reconsideration of Children’s Television Rules.

2 WIRELESS TELE-COMMUNICATIONS TITLE: The Development
of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements
for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety
Communications Requirements Through the Year 2010 (WT
Docket No. 96-86).
SUMMARY: The Commission will consider an Eighth
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on
public safety communications needs in the 700 MHz band
(746-776 MHz and 794-806 MHz).

3 OFFICE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR TITLE: Establishment of
the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.
SUMMARY: The Commission will consider an Order
creating a Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
and amending the rules to reflect the function of this
Bureau.

Open captioning will be provided for this event.
Other reasonable accommodations for people with
disabilities are available upon request. Include a
description of the accommodation you will need
including as much detail as you can. Also include a
way we can contact you if we need more information.
Make your request as early as possible; please allow
at least 5 days advance notice. Last minute requests
will be accepted, but may be impossible to fill. Send
an e-mail to: fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer &
Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice),
202-418-0432 (tty).

Additional information concerning this meeting may be
obtained from Audrey Spivack or David Fiske, Office of
Media Relations, (202) 418-0500; TTY 1-888-835-5322.
Audio/Video coverage of the meeting will be broadcast
live with open captioning over the Internet from the
FCC's Audio/Video Events web page at
www.fcc.gov/realaudio.

For a fee this meeting can be viewed live over George
Mason University's Capitol Connection. The Capitol
Connection also will carry the meeting live via the
Internet. To purchase these services call (703)
993-3100 or go to www.capitolconnection.gmu.edu.

Copies of materials adopted at this meeting can be
purchased from the FCC's duplicating contractor, Best
Copy and Printing, Inc. (202) 488-5300; Fax (202)
488-5563; TTY (202) 488-5562. These copies are
available in paper format and alternative media,
including large print/type; digital disk; and audio
and video tape. Best Copy and Printing, Inc. may be
reached by e-mail at FCC@BCPIWEB.com.

-FCC-

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Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy www.cybertelecom.org

A Million Voices for Darfur
http://capwiz.com/churchworld/issues/alert/?alertid=8513761

Telecommunications: States' Collection and Use of Funds for Wireless Enhanced 911 Services

Telecommunications: States' Collection and Use of
Funds for Wireless Enhanced 911 Services. GAO-06-338,
March 10
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-338
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d06338high.pdf

TW Petition Declaratory Ruling that CLECs may Obtain Interconnection to Provide Wholesale Telecom Service to VoIP Providers

 Released:  03/06/2006.  PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED FOR COMMENTS ON
TIME WARNER CABLE'S PETITION FOR DECLARATORY RULING THAT COMPETITIVE LOCAL
EXCHANGE CARRIERS MAY OBTAIN INTERCONNECTION TO PROVIDE WHOLESALE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE TO VOIP PROVIDERS. (DA No.  06-534). (Dkt No
06-55). Comments Due:  03/27/2006. Reply Comments Due:  04/11/2006.
WCB. Contact:  Jennifer Schneider at (202) 418-0425
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-534A1.doc>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-534A1.pdf>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-534A1.txt>

S.2360 Internet Non-Discrimination Act of 2006

S.2360 Internet Non-Discrimination Act of 2006
Title: A bill to ensure and promote a free and open
Internet for all Americans.
Sponsor: Sen Wyden, Ron [OR] (introduced 3/2/2006)
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:s.02360:

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Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy www.cybertelecom.org

A Million Voices for Darfur
http://capwiz.com/churchworld/issues/alert/?alertid=8513761

Wyden Moves to Ensure Fairness of Internet Usage With New Net Neutrality Bill

WYDEN MOVES TO ENSURE FAIRNESS OF INTERNET
USAGE WITH NEW NET NEUTRALITY BILL
Network operators would be required to treat all content on the Internet equally
for consumers, small businesses and innovators;
Wyden legislation is first comprehensive legislation in Congress on net neutrality

March 02, 2006

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today unveiled ground-breaking new legislation that would ensure “net neutrality,” or equal delivery of content on the internet, for consumers and business interests. Under Wyden’s bill, the Internet Nondiscrimination Act of 2006, network operators would be prohibited from charging companies for faster delivery of their content to consumers over the internet or favoring certain content over others.
http://wyden.senate.gov/media/2006/03022006_net_neutrality_bill.html

SEC Halts “Paid Autosurf” Internet Ponzi Scheme that Raised Over $50 Million from 300,000 Investors Worldwide

Washington D.C., Feb.27, 2006 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the filing of securities fraud charges against the operators of www.12dailypro.com, a “paid autosurf program” that in fact was a massive Ponzi scheme which raised more than $50 million from over 300,000 investors worldwide by offering a 44% return on investment in just 12 days. As a result of the SEC’s charges, the defendants, Charis Johnson, age 33, of Charlotte, N.C., and her companies, 12daily Pro and LifeClicks, LLC, ceased their solicitation of investors and agreed to a freeze of all their assets and the appointment of a receiver who will take control of the companies’ operations.
http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2006-26.htm

NTIA Releases Ultrawideband Report,

NTIA Releases Ultrawideband Report, Part 3: The report Interference Potential of Ultrawideband Signals, Part 3: Measurements of Ultrawideband Interference to C-Band Satellite Digital Television Receivers provides results from tests that measured digital television (DTV) susceptibility to ultrawideband (UWB) interference. The authors are with the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Posted: 03-03-06