BROADBAND
FCC Proposes Regulations for Broadband (WP)
FCC Approves Limited Use of Ultra-Wideband (USA)
DIGITAL DIVIDE
Nigeria Embraces New Technology (BBC)
FCC Takes Next Step To Reform Universal Service Fund Contribution
System (FCC)
BROADBAND
FCC PROPOSES REGULATIONS FOR BROADBAND
Issue: Broadband
Yesterday, the FCC proposed that highspeed Internet access provided by
telephone companies not be governed by the same regulations for basic
telephone service. If adopted, the rules would not require large telephone
companies to offer access of their highspeed lines to competitors. FCC Chief
Michael Powell and his supporters argue that competition within each type of
broadband service (DSL, cable networks or satellite) is difficult due to the
high cost of building networks. Rather, the FCC claims that sufficient
competition will comes from the different types of service available.
Consumer groups and independent Internet access providers, however, are
concerned that this policy shift will reduce competition in the market and
result in decreased customer choice. "If you don't have competition within
each platform, then you will spend all this effort to end up with a duopoly
or an oligopoly," said David Baker, policy director for EarthLink Inc., the
nation's second-largest Internet access provider.
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: Jonathan Krim]
(http://www.washtech.com/news/regulation/15192-1.html)
See Also:
FCC LAUNCHES PROCEEDING TO PROMOTE WIDESPREAD DEPLOYMENT OF HIGH-SPEED
BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICES
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/News_Releases/2002/nrcc0202.html)
FCC APPROVES LIMITED USE OF ULTRA-WIDEBAND
Issue: Broadband
Regulators at the FCC approved a wireless technology expected to transform
consumer electronics and increase public safety. The approval comes with
restrictions based on Bush Administration concerns that the technology may
interfere with existing technologies such as Global Positioning Systems used
by airplanes and the military. FCC officials claim the ultra-wideband (UWB)
technology emits the same amount of energy as a laptop and is unlikely to
interfere, but compromised by moderately limiting the power levels and
frequency bands in which UWB can operate. Possible applications for UWB
include creating wireless home networks, helping cars avoid collisions by
determining the location and speed of oncoming vehicles and finding objects
concealed in caves or underground rooms.
[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: Paul Davidson]
(http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20020215/3862812s.htm)
See Also:
NEW PUBLIC SAGETY APPLICATIONS AND BROADBAND APPLICATIONS ENVISIONED FOR
ULTRA-WIDEBAND TECHNOLOGY
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/News_Releases/2002/nret02
03.html)
DIGITAL DIVIDE
NIGERIA EMBRACES NEW TECHNOLOGY
Issue: Digital Divide
Although Nigeria is a relative newcomer to GSM (Global system for Mobile
Communications) networks, the demand for GSM mobile services has been
explosive. Networks were only installed six months ago and already
subscriptions are near 1 million, twice the number of subscribers for
standard landlines. Internet use, on the other hand, lags well behind mobile
phone use with only 20,000 - 30,000 users estimated. Internet connections
are almost non-existent for those who live outside of urban areas. Even
though the percentage of Nigerians with Internet access is very small,
Nigeria is still one of only 11 African nations with more than 20,000
subscribers.
[SOURCE: BBC]
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1820000/1820815.stm)
FCC TAKES NEXT STEP TO REFORM UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND CONTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Issue: Telephony
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken additional steps
toward reforming the collection of universal service fund (USF)
contributions. The FCC had previously sought comments to how to ensure that
providers of telecommunications services continue to contribute to the USF
on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis. The USF helps ensure that high
quality, affordable telecommunications service is available to all
Americans.
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/News_Releases/2002/nrcc0203.html
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