DIGITAL DIVIDE
Internet In Iraq: Limited, Appreciated (CNN)
BROADBAND
AT&T Broadband's Fate In Execs' Hands (CNET)
Deployment of Broadband Networks and Advanced Telecommunications
(NTIA)
OWNERSHIP
Powell Rushes Through Deregulation, Skirts Appropriate Procedures
(MAP)
DIGITAL DIVIDE
INTERNET IN IRAQ: LIMITED, APPRECIATED
Issue: Digital Divide
In Iraq, the only way citizens can access the Internet is from so
government-run Internet cafes. Private links to the Web have yet to be
introduced. Satellite dishes and modems are also banned and special
permission is needed to install a fax. Local media are either state-run or
sponsored by the ruling party and present the official version of the news.
The Internet provides a window to other worlds, albeit a small one and for
few people. Whatever the limitations, the Internet is prized by those Iraqis
with access. Engineering student Talib Dagher Kathim sees the Internet as
the only gate to a better future. "Sanctions have isolated the country ...
but the Internet opened a new door for knowledge and my ambition has no
limits," said Kathim, who wants to study abroad because of "the scientific
development there."
[SOURCE: CNN]
(http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/internet/12/15/iraq.internet.ap/index.html)
BROADBAND
AT&T BROADBAND'S FATE IN EXECS' HANDS
Issue: Broadband
The fate of AT&T's cable television unit remained in limbo Tuesday evening
as three suitors scrambled to make last-minute changes to their takeover
proposals, hoping to win favor with two executives who wield tremendous
influence over the decision, sources familiar with the situation said.
AT&T's board is expected to decide whether to sell or spin off AT&T
Broadband at a daylong board meeting on Wednesday. But the ultimate vote
appears to hinge largely on a recommendation from AT&T Chairman C. Michael
Armstrong, and Chief Financial Officer Chuck Noski, who were still mulling
their decision Tuesday evening, sources said.
[SOURCE: CNet , AUTHOR: Reuters]
(http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1004-200-8228382.html?tag=mn_hd)
DEPLOYMENT OF BROADBAND NETWORKS AND ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Issue: Broadband
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has
invited interested parties to comment on broadband deployment in the United
States. All comments, which are due December 19, 2001, will be posted on the
NTIA website.
[SOURCE: NTIA]
(http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/broadband/index.html)
OWNERSHIP
POWELL RUSHES THROUGH DEREGULATION, SKIRTS APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES
Issue: Ownership
On Monday December 17, 2001, the Federal Communications Commission released
an order reinstating the single majority shareholder exemption for broadcast
stations and cable/multipoint distribution service (MDS), thus loosening
rules it had recently strengthened. The repeal of this important ownership
rule before receiving comments from the public represents an abrupt
departure from standard administrative procedure, under which federal
agencies change rules after receiving comment and weighing the record.
[SOURCE: Media Access Project]
(http://www.mediaaccess.org/press/singlemajsharepressrelease.doc)
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