April 2008

CBS News can't catch a break. The network's hopes for hosting a primary debate have been officially dashed. The North Carolina Democratic party announced they are canceling plans for Sunday's debate because they could not get a commitment from Sen. Barack Obama. The face-off was to be moderated by Katie Couric and Bob Schieffer with a plum spot after 60 Minutes.
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/politics/cbss_dem_debate_officially_...

Have you read the fine print on your National Telecommunications and Information Administration-issued digital-to-analog converter box program coupon? "You will not be able to receive cash or credit for the coupon amount, but you can receive cash or credit for any amount you paid out of pocket, if the store policy permits." But if you get a defective DTV converter box--or even if you don't like the one you bought--you can take it back for another one, depending on the store's return policy. Of course, the best option to make sure you get a good box the first time.
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9924380-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2...

The lobbying organization for the wireless industry, CTIA, has filed comments in the Federal Communications Commission current universal service proceeding. CTIA said that the need for reform within the Universal Service Fund (USF) is “urgent,” yet calls for the FCC to look at the success of subsidies in aiding carriers to deploy networks to rural areas. The FCC has been discussing possible solutions to ease the growing demands on the dwindling USF, while still aiding telecoms that provide needed communication services to underserved areas. On Jan. 29, the commission issued three proposed rulemaking reforms for the fund: the Joint Board’s high-cost reform recommendation, identical support rule and reverse auctions proposal. While CTIA says it recognizes that “excessive subsidy levels can be as detrimental…as too little support,” CTIA recommends instead of subsidy caps that the Commission should “adopt specific goals for the program and performance metrics to measure its achievement of those goals.” Specifically CTIA recommends reforms that reward efficiency. CTIA said that it supports the Joint Board’s proposal to set aside dedicated funding for the creation and deployment of mobility and broadband, but urged the Commission to create a functional definition of “broadband” rather than rigid speed requirements, as it plans to better support the deployment of broadband networks in underserved areas.
http://www.wirelessweek.com/article.aspx?id=159370

A five-year, $28 million contract awarded to Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) to manage the information systems used to administer the federal E-rate has some E-rate service providers crying foul. Because SAIC also is a service provider under the program, critics say the deal represents a huge conflict of interest and could give SAIC a competitive advantage in bidding for other E-rate-related business. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the independent, not-for-profit corporation that administers the $2.25 billion-a-year E-rate, says it has put safeguards into place to prevent such abuse. But some E-rate service providers say these safeguards are not enough, and they accuse USAC of applying a double standard: one for the way it conducts its own business, and another, much more stringent standard for E-rate applicants.
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=53581;_hbguid=2d2d42d4-e6ce-...