FCC Chief Stresses Broadband, Video

FCC CHIEF STRESSES BROADBAND, VIDEO
[SOURCE: Technology Daily 1/17, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said that his goals for 2007 are to increase wireless, high-speed Internet access and also competition in video services. In a news conference, he also said broadband deployment will remain a priority. Chairman Martin further said the Commission will impose safeguards for communications consumers when needed, such as privacy protections, access to 911 emergency service, and limits on the fees that wireless carriers may charge for early termination of cellular contracts. Chairman Martin said the commission's goal continues to be a balance as it tries to remove regulatory barriers to spur communications competition. He said competition can address some existing problems but added that "the commission won't be afraid to step in when the market isn't addressing its needs." As for the universal service fund, which subsidizes the cost of communications systems in rural and underserved areas, Martin said the commission needs to address both the contribution side of the fund and receipt side. He said it would be helpful, but not necessary, to address inter-carrier compensation at the same time. The phrase refers to the money that service providers pay to use each other's lines in instances like completing long-distance telephone calls.
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