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from: Tompaine.com

The FCC Shafts The Locals

Art Brodsky
December 21, 2006

Art Brodsky is communications director for Public Knowledge, a public interest group working at the intersection of information and technology policy.

It’s never over until it’s over, and it’s never over. That’s a primary rule for those who try to follow the various policy debates in Washington, D.C. Exhibit A? On December 19, the Federal Communications Commission approved a draft proposal to speed up the methods by which local governments grant franchises for video services, usually provided by cable.

from: Ars Technica

Grassroots or astroturf? AT&T and the politics of influence

12/21/2006 12:36:41 PM, by Nate Anderson

In the course of our earlier reporting on AT&T's attempt to deploy IPTV to the Chicago suburbs, we discussed the Advanced Technology Alliance. It's an interest group that pushes the AT&T agenda hard through letters to the editor and a giant chicken, but local critics have charged it with being an "astroturf" (that is, a fake "grassroots" effort) group funded by AT&T. Ars has now learned more details about the relationship between the two companies.

from: Business Week

December 21, 2006

Why the New FCC Rules May Bring Lawsuits

With its vote to relax TV licensing regulations for the major telecoms, the FCC passed rules that only a trial lawyer could love.

It's very sad to see the CWA take the low road along with the astroturfs and telcos. In the end they are selling out their membership to false promises and short-term jobs. Hopefully some CWA locals will rock the boat . . .

from: CWA Pressrelease

CWA: FCC Action Opens the Door to Competition in Video Services

from: Technology Daily

FCC Clears 'Shot Clock' Proposal

By Andrew Noyes

(Wednesday, December 20) A divided FCC approved a plan designed to tackle problems in local cable markets. The agency's two Democrats slammed the proposal, which won approval from the three-member Republican majority.

from: Broadcasting & Cable

Markey Says He Will Review FCC Decision

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/20/2006

Ed Markey, who will head the House Telecommunications Subcommittee when the new Congress convenes Jan. 4, says he plans to review the FCC’s decision Wednesday to ease telcos’ entry into video franchising.

from: CNET

FCC adopts relief for telecom companies planning TV offerings

By Anne Broache
http://news.com.com/FCC+adopts+relief+for+telecom+companies+planning+TV+offerings/2100-1036_3-6145184.html

Story last modified Wed Dec 20

from: CNET

FCC adopts relief for telecom companies planning TV offerings

By Anne Broache
Story last modified Wed Dec 20

WASHINGTON--In a boost for telephone companies, a divided Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved new rules designed to make it easier for those firms to enter the TV market.

from: Broadband Reports

FCC Approves Franchise Reform in Partisan Vote
Municipalities have 90 days to act, other restrictions imposed

Posted 2006-12-20 17:22:32 by Karl

The FCC today voted 3-2 along partisan lines to approve a plan that revamps the video franchising process to make it easier for the telcos to offer TV services. Among a number of restrictions, the new franchising guidelines require municipalities to act on new applications from competitors with access to local rights-of-way within 90 days and within 180 days for other new competitors. Conservative FCC members say the changes aim to thwart "unreasonable build-out requirements" by municipalities.

from: Broadcasting & Cable

Breaking News
NCTA Could Sue FCC Over Franchise Item

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/20/2006 4:35:00 PM

National Cable & Telecommunications Association President Kyle McSlarrow wouldn't commit to taking the FCC to court over its decision Wednesday to revamp local video franchise rules, but he suggested that was a likely course of action.