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
Please see full publication below for more information.