Communications Law Bulletin, October 2007

This issue of our Bulletin was delayed slightly so that we could include the items taken up at the Federal

Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) open meeting held on October 31, 2007. With the meeting now behind us, we present our summary of developments in October, along with our usual list of deadlines for your calendar.

In this issue:

Two FCC Orders Facilitate Bells’ Video Offerings; AT&T’s Battle with the Connecticut PUC Rages On

FCC Shuts Down Exclusive Video Deals for MDUs

FCC Adopts Rules to Ensure Reasonable Franchising Process for Incumbent Video Providers

AT&T’s Battle with Connecticut PUC Continues

Broadcast Developments

Media Ownership Rules Ignite Controversy

On a Related Media Ownership Note

Who’s Driving the DTV Education Train? And, Do You Have the Authority to Drive?

More Broadcast News

FCC Gives Consumers a Halloween Treat by Expanding Local Number Portability to VoIP

Wireless Developments

Auction Rules and Procedures for 700 MHz Auction Released; Debates About 700 MHz Open

Access and Designated Entity Requirements Continue

FCC Loosens Back-Up Power Requirements

Advisory Committee Makes Wireless Alert Service Recommendations

Carriers Challenge “Home Market Exception” to New Automatic Roaming Rule

Battle Regarding AWS Designated Entity Rules Continues

USF Audit Showing High Erroneous Payment Rates Seems to Have Little Effect on High-Cost Reform Efforts

Private Equity Buyout of Alltel Approved with Novel USF and E911 Conditions

The Realities of Imposing TRS Requirements on VoIP Providers

Questions Aired Concerning FTC and FCC Antitrust and Regulatory Jurisdiction

Recent Enforcement Activity Ranges from Universal Service and Regulatory Fee Obligations to

Sponsorship Identification Requirements

Order Granting Neutral Tandem, Inc.’s Direct interconnection Petition Reported to Be Circulating

Among FCC Commissioners

And Much More