March 14, 2011 (News From Japan)
BENTON'S COMMUNICATIONS-RELATED HEADLINES for MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011
The Consortium for School Networking and the FCC's Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council are on today's agenda http://benton.org/calendar/2011-03-14/
NEWS ABOUT JAPAN
Massive Japan Quake/Tsunami Hobbles Mobile Voice, But Data Holds Fast
FCC Reaches Out to Japanese Officials
Quake Moves Japan Closer to U.S. and Alters Earth’s Spin
Defense prepares response to massive earthquake in Japan
INTERNET/BROADBAND
Chairman Genachowski: 'Title II' Docket a Potential Aide to Congress
RUS Publishes Interim Rules for Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
RUS Seeks Applications for Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
March 5-11: Gearing Up for the National Broadband Plan's Anniversary
Day 18 The Battle for North Carolina Broadband Rolls On
Comcast Rolls 100 Meg Business Internet In California, Virginia
Amazon Pressured on Sales Tax
UK ISP pledge on broadband speed
WIRELESS/SPECTRUM
DTV Pioneer Pitches FCC On Alternative Broadband Plan
NAB Needs to get Spectrum Act Together
Insisting it's not a network neutrality group, mobile coalition pushes for broader rules
App Accessibility: Are We at a Tipping Point?
WeFi turns global WiFi database into a mobile data offload platform
OWNERSHIP
Google's Tarnished Chrome
Tea Party senator presses for 'vigorous' oversight of Google
Netflix Narrows Subscriber Gap With HBO
JOURNALISM
The State of the News Media 2011
How mobile devices are changing community information environments
Gains for NPR are Clouded
When Unrest Stirs, Bloggers Are Already in Place
CONTENT
Blacks, Hispanics Heaviest Mobile TV Users
Search undergoing biggest disruption since the dawn of Google
OPEN GOVERNMENT/GOV & COMMUNICATIONS
Chairman Issa to FCC: Did the White House write the network neutrality rules?
Experts: Federal data sometimes unusable
Barely half of agencies meeting Obama’s FOIA request goals, study says
Federal IT dashboard not winning manager hearts
Dialing Up Telework
World Day Against Cyber-Censorship
Web's identity crisis: Tool of freedom or repression?
PRIVACY
Senate Commerce Raises Issue Of Privacy Jurisdiction
FTC Accepts Final Settlement with Twitter for Failure to Safeguard Personal Information
Google Sued For Violating Wiretap Law
BROADCASTING/TV
In Defense of NPR
In Tight Times, PBS Leans on Pledge Drives
For Pay TV Anemic Fourth Quarter Growth in Subscribers Follows Unprecedented Drops
HEALTH
Electronic Health Records Raise Security Risks
EHR costs for docs top $46,000: study
EDUCATION
Federal rule could have ‘major chilling effect’ on online instruction
MORE ONLINE
Qwest ordered to set aside $30 million for potential refunds
Cassidian: Areas with strong population growth are good targets for next-generation 911
SmartMeters should be customers' choice
NEWS ABOUT JAPAN
JAPAN QUAKE AFTERMATH
[SOURCE: paidContent.org, AUTHOR: Tom Krazit]
After a major disaster like the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan, the first thing virtually everyone shaken by the event wants to do is send out a message or place a call letting loved ones know they’re fine. How did mobile networks in Japan, one of the world’s most mobile societies, hold up during the tragic and hectic day? No network appeared unaffected, according to reports out of Japan, with slowdowns, disruptions, and outages widespread across the nation, especially in northern Japan where the tsunami destroyed entire villages and in the populated center of Tokyo. The problems are obvious: severe congestion as millions of people flocked to voice and data services within minutes of each other, downed cellular towers and power lines in key locations, and disruptions to the back-end data centers that make the whole system run. Interestingly, DoCoMo did say that data connections were not affected, meaning that many could have turned to Web access in order to send out e-mails or updates to social-networking services in order to communicate with families and friends. IDG News Service in Tokyo also reported that regular Internet connections seemed unaffected by the quake, tsunami, and resulting network congestion. The three leading mobile carriers—DoCoMo, KDDI, and Softbank—all set up the text-message equivalent of bulletin boards where subscribers could send text messages that were then placed on a Web page and accessible to anyone who has the texter’s phone number.
benton.org/node/52670 | paidContent.org
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RESPONDING TO EARTHQUAKE, AFTERMATH
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
The Federal Communications Commission has contacted Japanese officials to offer any help on the telecommunications front in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami there. "We have reached out to our regulatory contacts in Japan," said FCC International Bureau spokesman Tom Sullivan. "We are working with the State Department and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration to consider what assistance we might be able to provide." What can the U.S. government do? In the Haiti earthquake, the FCC took a proactive role, said Sullivan, including providing technical assistance on emergency communications as well as passing along offers of help from private industry. He pointed out that Japan is a different situation, with a robust communications system. "They are very well prepared for a situations like this. But, nevertheless we would be able to offer expertise should they need help." Sullivan said that the international bureau could serve as a contact point for anyone in industry seeking information on whether and how they might be able to help. "We're not asking industry for help," he said, but said that given the FCC's international contacts with Japan, "should anyone have a desire to help, we can be a point of contact at the FCC that they can reach out to."
benton.org/node/52689 | Broadcasting&Cable
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INTERNET/BROADBAND
GENACHOWSKI ANSWER ON TITLE II
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski told House Republicans that the FCC is keeping the broadband reclassification/'Title II' docket open, is that he sees it as a potential aide to Congress and private industry. Another reason he did not mention is that the FCC frequently keeps dockets open for years. In fact, it has moved recently to close some of the older and inactive ones. Genachowski's observation came in a letter March 7 in response to questions from House Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). One of the issues for House Republicans critical of the FCC's new network neutrality regulations is the fact that the docket proposing reclassifying Internet access as a Title II telecommunications service remains open. That reclassification was considered a nonstarter by industry members who negotiated with the FCC on a compromise network neutrality order.
benton.org/node/52687 | Broadcasting&Cable
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RULES FOR RURAL BROADBAND PROGRAM
[SOURCE: Department of Agriculture, AUTHOR: Administrator Jessica Zufolo]
The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as the Agency, is amending its regulation for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (Broadband Loan Program). Since the Broadband Loan Program’s inception in 2002, the Agency has faced and continues to face significant challenges in delivering the program due to the following factors: The competitive nature of the broadband market in certain geographic areas; the significant number of companies proposing to offer broadband service that are start-up organizations with limited resources; continually evolving technology; and economic factors such as the higher cost of serving rural communities. In addition, the Office of Inspector General, in a 2005 report, made recommendations to improve program efficiency. For these reasons and in an effort to improve program operation, the Agency published proposed changes to the program’s regulation in the Federal Register on May 11, 2007. While the Agency was reviewing public comments and revising the rule, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) was enacted and changed the statute under which the program operates. In accordance with the statute and taking into account the public comments received regarding the proposed rule to the extent possible, this interim rule presents the regulations that will govern the program until a final rule is published. The Agency is seeking comments regarding this interim rule to guide its efforts in drafting the final rule for the Broadband Loan Program.
This rule is effective on March 14, 2011. Comments must be submitted on or before May 13, 2011.
benton.org/node/52704 | Department of Agriculture
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RUS SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR RURAL BROADBAND PROGRAM
[SOURCE: Department of Agriculture, AUTHOR: Administrator Jessica Zufolo]
This Notice of Solicitation of Applications announces that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2011 for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee program (the Broadband Program), subject to the availability of funding. This notice is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act to allow potential applicants time to submit proposals and give the Agency time to process applications within the current fiscal year. RUS will publish a subsequent notice identifying the amount received in the final appropriations act, if any. At this time, the agency estimates that approximately $700 million may be available for loans from prior appropriations; however, Congress is presently reviewing budget authority across the Federal government in an attempt to reduce government debt. As a result, expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant’s own risk. In addition to announcing the application window, RUS announces the minimum and maximum amounts for broadband loans for the fiscal year. Moreover, the agency is concurrently publishing a interim rule that will revise the current Broadband Program regulations at 7 CFR part 1738, as necessitated by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill).
Applications under this NOSA will be accepted immediately, subject to the requirements of the interim regulation published concurrently with this NOSA.
benton.org/node/52702 | Department of Agriculture
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WEEKLY ROUND-UP
[SOURCE: Benton Foundation, AUTHOR: Kevin Taglang]
A number -- OK, let's give it a number: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 -- of DC policy events this month are examining what has been accomplished in the first year since the Federal Communications Commission sent the National Broadband Plan to Congress. At the Benton Foundation, we've had our eyes on the Plan all year and have been tracking the progress in implementing it . So we're not above jumping on the bandwagon -- if for no other reason than we think it very important that the public hold the FCC and other governmental bodies accountable for delivering on the promise of the broadband plan. It is not without irony that this week's Headlines were dominated again with updates on network neutrality. The House Commerce Committee, it appears, bent on celebrating the broadband plan anniversary by voting to rescind the FCC's open Internet/network neutrality rules adopted last December. On March 9, the Committee's Communications Subcommittee held a back-to-back hearing and vote on a resolution of disapproval that -- if passed by the House and Senate and signed by President Barack Obama -- would disallow the FCC's rules. The full House Commerce Committee is expected to vote on and approve the resolution March 15. Of course, although a companion resolution had been introduced in the Senate, its prospects are dim and President Barack Obama -- a strong network neutrality advocate and supporter of the FCC's rules -- seems completely unlikely to sign the resolution if it ever made it to his desk. So the entire exercise, as commentators like Public Knowledge's Art Brodsky point out, proves the new House majority has a laser-like focus on fixing the economy, encouraging innovation, and getting people back to work. Lost in the news of March 9, perhaps then, was the FCC's announcement that it will provide E-Rate funding for 20 “Learning On-The-Go” wireless pilot projects . The National Broadband Plan includes a recommendation that the FCC support off-campus mobile Internet connections for students. According to a survey approximately 50 percent of the schools and libraries plan to implement or expand the use of digital textbooks and other wireless devices for digital learning. The FCC aims to increase the percentage of schools and libraries across the country using mobile broadband. As Rep Jesse Jackson Jr (D-IL) said this week on the House floor while holding an iPad and a Kindle, "These devices are revolutionizing our country — and they will fundamentally alter how we will educate our children." Rep Jackson is promoting an idea to amend the Constitution so that it guarantees every American the right to an equal education. An education facilitated by technology, Rep Jackson says, could help further inalienable rights both in and out of the Constitution. On Benton's National Broadband Plan Tracker you can follow the developments of each recommendation including the related dockets the FCC launches and public comments it receives, legislation introduced in Congress, and changes in Administration policy. The Tracker is powered by our Communications-related Headlines service -- a daily update on the world of telecommunications policy. The Tracker captures the links between today's Headlines and events, bills moving through Congress, dockets at the FCC, and the week's key events. Next week's agenda includes three National Broadband Plan review events, so expect to hear lots more about how the FCC and other government bodies are doing implementing plan. But there will also be news about the Freedom of Information Act in the Digital Age, online consumer privacy, and more.
http://benton.org/node/52624
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OWNERSHIP
GOOGLE'S TARNISHED CHROME
[SOURCE: National Journal, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
Long the darling of the technology community, Google had carefully cultivated an image of corporate responsibility with its “Don't Be Evil” motto and its mission “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” But in recent years, the company has distanced itself not only from the motto but also the principles behind it, say experts who monitor its business practices. And members of Congress are noticing. In recent months, they've criticized Google for its proposed acquisition of an online travel-reservations company; a privacy breach involving the collection of unsecured wireless data; and its short-lived effort to circumvent tough new Internet regulations. “There is an awareness that Google just isn't exactly the warm, fuzzy, cuddly, little start-up that everybody loved [and] that we thought it was,” said John Simpson, director of the Inside Google project for Consumer Watchdog, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit and fierce critic of the company. “It’s such an all-pervasive force in everyone’s lives that it’s coming under scrutiny -- and deservedly so.” Google’s presence in Washington has never been stronger. Even though it didn't have a DC office until 2008, the company spent nearly $5.2 million on federal lobbying last year, according to the nonprofit Center for Responsive Politics. That amount dwarfs the $2.2 million that Yahoo spent last year and puts Google in a money chase with Microsoft, which shelled out $6.9 million.
benton.org/node/52696 | National Journal
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OPEN GOVERNMENT/GOV & COMMUNICATIONS
ISSA AND FCC OVERSIGHT
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Sara Jerome]
Soon after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski announced a plan to move forward on network neutrality rules, Rep Darrell Issa (R-CA) questioned whether the White House was too involved in the effort. Rep Issa, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, wrote to the FCC in 2009 to ask whether the Obama Administration "had knowledge and potentially contributed to crafting these regulations." In a letter released by the FCC on March 10, Issa also noted that President Obama and Genachowski simultaneously announced plans to pursue net neutrality on Sept. 21, 2009. "Alone, the timing of this announcement went unnoticed, but in light of the recent media reports, questions have arisen surrounding the coordination and involvement of the White House in crafting the proposed regulations," he said. Rep Issa alleged that private participation by the White House would represent a violation of disclosure rules and a breach of the independent nature of the FCC. In particular, he wanted to know if former White House advisor and staunch net-neutrality advocate Susan Crawford had spoken to the FCC about the rules. Responding in late February, Chairman Genachowski defended the commission for communicating with the White House. The law "does not prohibit communications between commissioners and commission and staff and members of the administration," he said, arguing that disclosure standards were not violated. "The commission's office of the general counsel is not aware of any potential violations of the ex parte rules in connection with the subject matter in your letter," he said.
benton.org/node/52691 | Hill, The | Rep Issa | Chairman Genachowski | Broadcasting&Cable | National Journal
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PRIVACY
PRIVACY AND JURISDICTION
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
Could there be something of a turf tussle brewing over the issue of online privacy? The leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee have written to Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) saying the newly created Privacy, Technology & Law Subcommittee appears to exceed judiciary's scope and overlap with legislative matters "squarely within the jurisdiction of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee." Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and ranking member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) pointed out that their own committee has been focused on consumer privacy issues, as well as data security. In fact, protecting kids online privacy has been one of Rockefeller's signature issues. He pointed out that the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) originated in the Commerce Committee. He also pointed out that the Federal Trade Commission's consumer protection authority is "fully under the jurisdiction of Commerce," where oversight hearings are held. The FTC is one of the government's lead privacy protection mechanisms and is currently recommending or considering proposed changes to online privacy protections, including COPPA.
They said they were "puzzled" by the online description of the subcommittee's jurisdiction, which is described as:
"(1) Oversight of laws and policies governing the collection, protection, use and dissemination of commercial information by the private sector, including online behavioral advertising, privacy within social networking websites and other online privacy issues; (2) Enforcement and implementation of commercial information privacy laws and policies; (3) Use of technology by the private sector to protect privacy, enhance transparency and encourage innovation; (4) Privacy standards for the collection, retention, use and dissemination of personally identifiable commercial information; and (5) Privacy implications of new or emerging technologies."
benton.org/node/52678 | Multichannel News
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FTC TWITTER SETTLEMENT
[SOURCE: Federal Trade Commission, AUTHOR: Press release]
The Federal Trade Commission has finalized a proposed settlement that it announced in June 2010 with social networking site Twitter, which resolved charges that Twitter deceived consumers and put their privacy at risk by failing to safeguard their personal information. The FTC alleged that serious lapses in the company’s data security allowed hackers to obtain unauthorized administrative control of Twitter, including both access to non-public user information and tweets that consumers had designated as private, and the ability to send out phony tweets from any account. The privacy policy posted on Twitter’s website stated that “Twitter is very concerned about safeguarding the confidentiality of your personally identifiable information. We employ administrative, physical, and electronic measures designed to protect your information from unauthorized access.” In addition, Twitter offered its users privacy settings that enabled them to designate their tweets as private. The FTC’s complaint alleged that between January and May of 2009, hackers were able to gain administrative control of Twitter on two occasions. Under the terms of the settlement, Twitter will be barred for 20 years from misleading consumers about the extent to which it protects the security, privacy, and confidentiality of nonpublic consumer information, including the measures it takes to prevent unauthorized access to nonpublic information and honor the privacy choices made by consumers. The company also must establish and maintain a comprehensive information security program, which will be assessed by an independent auditor every other year for 10 years.
benton.org/node/52685 | Federal Trade Commission
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GOOGLE SUED
[SOURCE: MediaPost, AUTHOR: Wendy Davis]
Google has been hit with a second potential class-action lawsuit for allegedly violating people's privacy by serving contextual ads to users of the 6-year-old Gmail service. The complaint, filed by Texas resident Kelly Michaels, alleges that Google violates federal wiretap laws by "scanning and capturing the contents of every email sent and received through Google's Web-based email program." Michaels, who has used Gmail since February 2007, additionally argues that Google was "deliberately silent" about the fact that its email program "discovers the 'concepts' and identifies keywords in every private email that every Gmail user sends or receives in order to market and target advertisements." Google has not yet responded to a request for comment about Michaels' lawsuit. But the company says in an online privacy statement that its scanning process "is completely automated and involves no humans." The company adds: "Neither email content nor any personal information is ever shared with other parties as a result of our ad-targeting process." This latest lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, is similar to one brought against Google last November by Texas resident Keith Dunbar. That case, however, focused on whether Google is violating the privacy of non-Gmail users by allegedly scanning their messages in order to determine which ads to serve Gmail users.
benton.org/node/52675 | MediaPost
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