Georgia Institute of TechnologyCenter for Advanced Communications Policy
Atlanta SkylineTechnology Square at night

Telecom/IT Policy Highlights

Volume: 4.09
September 2004

Contents:
Overview
Policy / Legislative Activities
Regulatory Activities
Judicial Activities
Research / Reports
Items of Interest
Events
Newsletter Info
  • Overview

    With the 108th Congress scheduled to finish its legislative duties around October 1, September was filled with policymaking efforts and last-ditch attempts to get bills passed amidst the ever continuing backdrop of electoral politics. The most dominant story in Washington was the release of the 9-11 Commission’s report, filled with a wide range of policy recommendations. One of those recommendations was to increase the security and strength of public safety communications by acquiring spectrum from analog TV stations soon to be broadcasting digitally. The Senate acted on the matter, but not without exposing the controversy over the digital TV transition. Broadcasters and public safety advocates had a showdown in the Senate Commerce Committee, where the various proposals were being debated. The Commerce Committee also passed a bill to safeguard the privacy of customers who might be involuntarily listed in a proposed wireless 411 directory, although wireless industry spokespeople said the action was premature.

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made headlines by imposing hefty fines against CBS for the Janet Jackson Super Bowl half-time debacle, but it also quietly managed to issue more rules to encourage the deployment of advanced wireless services. A series of reports were also released by the FCC, indicating the state of wireless competition and broadband availability in the U.S. More information is available in the Research/Reports section below.


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Policy / Legislative Activities

    9/11 Commission Legislation Seeks Changes for Public Safety Spectrum
    09.22.04 – The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9-11 Commission) completed its report in August, in which it chronicles the events of September 11, 2001 and assesses the current state of emergency preparedness in the United States. One of the recommendations included in the report called on Congress to support legislation “which provides for the expedited and increased assignment of radio spectrum for public safety purposes.”
    [http://www.911commission.gov/report/index.htm] Consequently, the bills that have been introduced to implement the 9-11 Commission’s recommendations [H.R. 5040, S. 2774] have provisions relating to public safety communications.

    Specifically, the bills would require the FCC to dedicate the spectrum in the 764-776 MHz and 794-806 MHz bands (TV channels 63, 64, 68, and 69) for public safety use by 2007, putting more pressure on broadcasters to transition to digital television (DTV). The FCC acted in July to create a new 800 MHz band plan to address interference problems with public safety communications, but the proposed legislation would force a transition sooner than the FCC had been suggesting. The bills also contain provisions to create “high risk urban area communications capabilities” in locations such as New York and Washington, D.C. The FCC would work with other federal, state, and local officials on these capabilities. H.R. 5040, [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.5040:]. (S. 2774 was identical to H.R. 5040 when introduced.)

    The spectrum dedication had initially been proposed in the Homeland Emergency Response Operations (HERO) Act [H.R. 1425]. This bill was introduced last year by Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), and it was the model for the 9-11 Commission’s proposal. To view a copy of H.R. 1425, see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.1425:]. On September 8, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on this issue, and FCC Chairman Michael Powell testified. A copy of his testimony can be found at [http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/testimony.cfm?id=1300&wit_id=1943]. Chairman Powell chronicled the FCC’s efforts in public safety communications and said that the HERO Act should be coupled with the deadlines in place for the DTV transition.

    Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) subsequently introduced the SAVE LIVES Act [S. 2820] to focus on the DTV transition and public safety communications. The SAVE LIVES Act, if passed, would direct the FCC to conduct a series of studies on public safety communications, create grant programs to enhance interoperability among first responders and authorize funding for the SAFECOM program, authorize grants funded by spectrum auctions to lower income households for DTV equipment, and require soon-to-be obsolete analog TV sets to be labeled as such. However, the most important provision of the legislation is the establishment of a firm date for the DTV transition. The bill, as proposed, fixes a hard deadline of 2009 for the return of analog licenses to the FCC. The current deadline is 2007, but the FCC is required to delay the transition if necessary to mitigate the impact on consumers. At a committee markup session, Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT) proposed an amendment that would instruct the FCC to delay the requirement if doing so avoids a “consumer disruption.” The amendment passed, essentially eliminating a firm DTV deadline from the bill. The amendment also narrows the spectrum to be returned to the FCC to those bands described in the HERO Act.

    The DTV debate is increasingly being framed as a battle between broadcasters and consumer advocates on one side, neither of whom want to be forced into DTV on a government timetable, and public safety advocates on the other, who argue that public safety agencies desperately need the spectrum held by analog TV stations in order to function effectively. The broadcaster/consumer side won the battle at the Commerce Committee hearing, although Sen. McCain indicated he would continue to push for a firm DTV transition deadline during this Congress. To view a copy of S.2820, see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:S.2820:].
    [Sources: Library of Congress, National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, FCC]

    Copyright Label Trafficking & Domain Name Fraud Outlawed in House Bill
    09.21.04 – The House of Representatives approved the Intellectual Property Protection and Courts Amendments Acts of 2004 [H.R. 3632], which includes two important measures. The first measure outlaws trafficking in certificates of authenticity and other copyright protection labels, which are affixed to counterfeit materials for immense gain. House Judiciary Committee chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) said he had heard testimony that trafficking in illegal authentication labels was becoming increasingly profitable, and that this measure was needed to close a loophole that allows this trafficking to go without penalties. The second measure adopts the language in H.R. 3754, the Fraudulent Online Identity Sanctions Act. As reported in the May edition of Telecom/IT Highlights, this bill was approved by the Judiciary committee earlier this year, and it creates civil and criminal penalties for persons who use false information to register domain names. Inaccurate registration information can create problems for law enforcement, information security, and consumer protection. H.R. 3632 also includes two unrelated, uncontroversial items. The Senate has yet to take action on these measures. To view a copy of the bill, see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.3632:].
    [Source: Library of Congress]

    Homeland Cybersecurity Bills Introduced in House
    09.13.04 – Representatives Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced two bills related to cybersecurity. H.R. 5068, the Homeland Security Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2004, would increase the rank of the top cybersecurity officer at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill would create in the DHS an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, who would have the primary authority for all cybersecurity-related programs and policy formation within the Department. The Act would also include “wire communications” along with electronic communications under cybersecurity, implying that the Assistant Secretary would be responsible for the security of the nation’s telecommunications systems. The second bill, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Act of 2004 [H.R. 5069], authorizing a series of research and development programs for science and technology aspects of homeland security. The bill also refers to cybersecurity training programs, interoperable communications, and tech transfer issues. The bills have been jointly referred to the Select Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science. To view a copy of the bills, see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.5068:] and [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.5069:].
    [Source: Library of Congress]

    House Acts to Curb “Video Voyeurism”
    09.21.04 – The House of Representatives voted to pass the Video Voyeurism Prevention Act of 2004 [S. 1301], which makes recording individuals’ private areas without their consent a Federal crime. The bill only applies to activity that occurs on Federal land, but it includes videotaping or filming of any kind, including still photography. Violations are punishable by fines or up to one year of imprisonment. The Senate passed the bill in September 2003, but differences between the versions of the bill must be dealt with before it can become law. To view a copy of the bill, see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d108:s.01301:].
    [Source: Library of Congress]

    Internet Tax Moratorium To Wait Until Next Year
    09.10.04 – According to remarks made by Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), it is unlikely that the 108th Congress will extend the moratorium on Internet access taxes that expired last November. The House of Representatives responded by passing H.R. 49, the Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act, last September. That Act would have permanently banned all states from levying taxes on Internet access. The Senate passed a different version of the same bill, S. 150, in which the moratorium would only be extended until 2007 and states who had been exempt under the original 1998 ban would be allowed to continue taxing Internet access. Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Senator Alexander said the best short term solution would be for the House to accept the Senate’s version of the ban. “It is my hope that the telecommunications industry representatives, Governors, and mayors will spend some time with one another during the next 3 or 4 months and figure out a framework for resolving how Congress should approach these issues in the most sensible way.” [Congressional Record, September 10, Page S9069] Unless the House acts to pass S. 150, the moratorium will not be renewed until the 109th Congress.
    [Source: Library of Congress]

    Piracy Act Passes House
    09.28.04 – The House of Representatives passed the Piracy Deterrence and Education Act [H.R. 4077] by voice vote, a bill that includes a number of copyright protection procedures and programs. The bill increases penalties for copyright infringement and prohibits the use of camcorders to record movies being played in theaters. Additionally, the bill creates an exemption in copyright law (previously a bill called the “Family Movie Act” [H.R. 4586]) for altering video content (e.g., deleting scenes or censoring words) in ways that do not create fixed copies of the original work. The bill mostly attempts to combat piracy through education, creating programs in the Department of Justice to promote intellectual property rights and combat piracy. There is a lot of language in the bill condemning illegal file sharing, but there are new laws created with respect to that practice. To view a copy of H.R. 4077, see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.4077:].
    [Source: Library of Congress]

    Rural Universal Service Bill Would Amend FCC Regulations
    09.22.04 – The Senate Commerce Committee approved the Rural Universal Service Equity Act of 2003 [S. 1380], a bill “to distribute universal service support equitably throughout rural America.” According to Congressional findings, the FCC provides no universal service support to 42 states, due to the nature of the cost calculations in the program. The bill, sponsored by Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR), would amend current FCC regulations to base cost calculations on the national average cost. Just last month, the FCC’s Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service issued a Public Notice seeking comment on high-cost universal service support. (See last month’s edition of Telecom/IT Highlights for details). The bill will now head to the full Senate, although many Senators speculated that it will never come up for a vote. To view S. 1380, see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:S.1380:].
    [Source: Senate Commerce Committee]

    Spyware Bills Get Nods From House & Senate Panels
    09.08.04 – The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to consider H.R. 4661, the Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2004. The bill makes it illegal to access a protected computer without authorization and to copy software onto that computer without permission that either obtains personal information or impairs the security of the computer. The Judiciary committee’s bill is different from another spyware bill passed earlier in the year by the Commerce committee. The Commerce committee bill, H.R. 2929, outlaws spyware activities as unfair and deceptive trade practices to be regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The Commerce bill also identifies a number of spyware-related activities and is more technologically specific than the Judiciary bill, which would require more interpretation by prosecutors and judges. H.R. 4661 includes a $10 million authorization to the Attorney General for prosecutions of spyware and phishing schemes. The Judiciary Committee approved the bill and it will move to the full House. To view more information on H.R. 4661, see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d108:h.r.04661:].

    In the Senate, the Commerce Committee gave its approval to S. 2145, the “Spy Block Act”, which contains similar provisions to H.R. 4661. The Senate bill also clearly specifies notice, consent, and uninstall requirements for computer software, and allows for actions by the states. The bill passed the Committee 13-9. To view the bill, see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:S.2145:].
    [Source: Library of Congress, House Committee on the Judiciary, Senate Commerce Committee]

    Wireless 411 Hearings Held in Senate, House
    09.22.04 – The Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing to investigate privacy issues surrounding a forthcoming wireless phone number directory. A bill [S. 1963], entitled the Wireless 411 Privacy Act, has been sponsored by Senator Arlen Spector (R-PA), and it would require companies to get explicit permission from their customers before listing their phone number on directory assistance databases. The bill would also prohibit any such database from being published. In order to help users avoid using minutes for unwanted calls, the bill would allow customers to refuse to receive directory assisted calls on a call-by-call basis. Steve Largent, President and CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, testified before the committee and said that “this bill is a solution in search of a problem,” calling it “unnecessary.” [Testimony: http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/testimony.cfm?id=1315&wit_id=3824]. However, the Committee passed the bill 12-10. Information about the hearing can be found at [http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1315]. A copy of the bill is available at [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:S.1963:]. A similar hearing was held in the House Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Information about that hearing can be found at [http://energycommerce.house.gov/108/Hearings/09292004hearing1387/hearing.htm].
    [Sources: Library of Congress, Senate Commerce Committee, House Committee on Energy and Commerce]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Regulatory Activities

    Additional Spectrum Available for Advanced Wireless Services
    09.09.04 – The FCC issued a Sixth Report and Order, Third Memorandum Opinion and Order and Fifth Memorandum Opinion and Order [FCC 04-219] that released twenty additional megahertz of spectrum for broadband and advanced wireless services (AWS). The Commission allocated four 5-MHz blocks in the 1.9-2 GHz spectrum range for “Unlicensed Personal Communications Services.” Most of the spectrum had previously been allocated for the use of Mobile Satellite Services (MSS), and the Order includes a reimbursement plan for MSS licensee relocation expenses. The Commission hopes that the addition of 20 MHz to the 90 MHz it had previously made available will foster more rapid deployment of third-generation (3G) wireless services. The Commission also issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [FCC 04-218] to solicit public comment on how to implement a geographic licensing system for this spectrum and how to set requirements that avoid harmful interference with broadband PCS systems in adjacent spectrum bands.
    [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-219A1.txt].
    [Source: FCC]

    Bounties Might Be Offered to Catch Spammers
    09.16.04 – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a report assessing the viability of offering cash bounties for the successful identification of spammers. Part of its required duties under the CAN-SPAM Act, the FTC’s report says that the potential success of bounties in capturing spammers is unknown. There are two types of people who might be attracted by bounties. The first type, so-called “cybersleuths”, are citizens with technical expertise who might be willing to track down spammers if they could receive a cash award. The FTC decided that these people are unlikely to be successful in catching spammers, especially not using techniques admissible as evidence in federal proceedings. The second type of people who might be attracted to bounties are whistleblowers, people who know the spammers themselves. The report suggests that bounties in the range of $100,000 might be sufficient to draw out whistleblowers, but it also notes that a number of other factors are involved in whistleblowers’ decision to come forward. For more information about the report see [http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/09/bounty.htm].

    DTV Broadcasters Must Expand Educational Content Proportionally
    09.09.04 – The FCC ruled in a Report and Order [FCC 04-221] that DTV broadcasters must increase their educational/informational programming to keep in proportion with the amount of programming available over all of its channels. In other words, if a station decides to air two full-time digital channels, it must double its child-friendly TV requirement from three hours to six hours per week. Until the FCC took this action, there was uncertainty over whether digital broadcasters, who are free to expand their programming over several digital channels, would be required to increase the amount of educational programming as well. The new FCC rules adopt a proportionality requirement, such that three hours of programming for children must be broadcast for every full week of overall broadcast content. Stations may split their overall content among their channels as they choose, as long as at least three hours are broadcast on the main channel. To see the FCC’s release about the DTV rules, go to [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-251972A1.txt]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Judicial Activities

    ADA Doesn’t Require Website Accessibility, Appeals Court Says
    09.24.04 – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld a lower court’s decision that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not apply to the Internet. The case, Access Now v. Southwest Airlines [02-16163], was brought by a blind man who had extreme difficulties ordering tickets from Southwest Airlines’ website because of its navigation bar. Access Now, the non-profit advocacy organization filing the lawsuit, argued in 2002 that Southwest.com website is a place of public accommodation under the ADA, meaning it must be accessible to people with disabilities. The District Court dismissed the lawsuit, saying the language in Title III of the ADA clearly and plainly did not apply to Internet websites.

    On its appeal, Access Now took a different tactic, arguing that Southwest Airlines itself is a public accommodation providing travel services (protected by the ADA). As a result, Access Now argued, Southwest is not allowed to discriminate in its provision of these services over the Internet. The Court of Appeals said that Access Now had failed to make this argument in its original lawsuit, doing nothing to demonstrate the connection between the Southwest.com website and any other supposed place of public accommodation. Consequently, the Court said that judicial procedure did not allow it to review this new argument or the abandoned old one, and it dismissed the appeal without addressing the applicability of the ADA to the Internet. To read a copy of the Court’s opinion (PDF), see [http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/ops/200216163.pdf].
    [Source: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit]

    Judge Rules Communications Provision of PATRIOT Act Unconstitutional
    09.29.04 – A U.S. District Court judge ruled that a part of the PATRIOT Act dealing with communications unconstitutionally restricts free speech and privacy rights. The case refers to a provision of the Act requiring communications firms such as Internet service providers (ISPs) or phone companies to hand over certain customer information to the FBI. Under the procedure established by the PATRIOT Act, the FBI can subpoena information from ISPs without a court order by issuing a “national security letter” (NSL) that is not subject to prior judicial review. NSLs can only be issued by high-level FBI officials and can only request information about communications believed to be relevant to an authorized investigation into terrorist activities. The Act states that no one who receives an NSL may disclose any information about the NSL, including the fact that they received one.

    The case, Doe v. Ashcroft [04 Civ. 2614], was brought by an unnamed ISP (“John Doe”) in coordination with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU’s case presented two fundamental arguments: first, that the FBI’s ability to issue NSLs without judicial review violates the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments, and second, that the non-disclosure provision violates the First Amendment. In his opinion, District Court judge Victor Marrero agreed, saying that the Act “effectively bars or substantially deters any judicial challenge to the propriety of an NSL request.” He also said that the non-disclosure provision “fails to pass muster under the exacting First Amendment standards applicable here because it is so broad and open-ended,” not allowing an NSL recipient to ever tell anyone anything about it.

    Judge Marrero emphasized that his ruling is about the process of the PATRIOT Act, and that the NSL provision may be theoretically constitutional even though it is not in practice. Under the Court’s order, the FBI is enjoined from enforcing this provision of the PATRIOT Act, pending the outcome of an appeal. To read the Court’s opinion (PDF), see [http://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/rulings/04CV2614_Opinion_092904.pdf].
    [Source: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York]

    Pennsylvania Anti-Child Pornography Law Ruled Unconstitutional
    09.10.04 – After the Supreme Court ruled in June that a federal law restricting access to Internet pornography “likely violates the First Amendment,” another federal court weighed in on a Pennsylvania law requiring Internet service providers (ISPs) to ban sites that display child pornography. The U.S. District Court said Pennsylvania’s Internet Child Pornography Act was unconstitutional because ISPs cannot block child porn without also blocking access to legal sites, a violation of the First Amendment. This is the same rationale used by the Supreme Court in its June ruling on the Child Online Protection Act (COPA). The District court also said that Pennsylvania’s law violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution because some ISPs had to block access to sites for users all across the country, not just in Pennsylvania. Under the court’s order, Pennsylvania is enjoined from enforcing the statute. The case is Center for Democracy and Technology v. Pappert, [PA-ED, 2003-5051]. To view the court’s opinion and order (PDF), see [http://www.paed.uscourts.gov/documents/opinions/04D0305P.pdf].
    [Source: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Research / Reports

    Broadband Availability Report Issued to Congress
    09.09.04 – The FCC released its fourth report [FCC 04-208] on the availability of advanced telecommunications services in the United States. The report concludes that the goal of encouraging broadband deployment to all Americans in a timely basis is being met. The report shows that the number of high-speed lines increased from 7.8 million in June 2001 to 26 million in December 2003. The report also includes statistics on residential versus business access, connections in public schools, and access for underserved areas and communities. The full report as issued to Congress is available online at [ http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-208A1.txt].

    Global E-Government Study Shows U.S. Ranks Third in Performance
    09.17.04 – According to a study conducted by Brown University professor Darryl West, governments around the world are increasing their use of the Internet to provide information and services. The Global E-Government 2004 study shows that 21% of government agencies around the world are offering online services, an increase from the 16% offering services in 2003. Data also indicate that only 14% of government websites have visible privacy policies, and only 8% display security policies. Accessibility for people with disabilities remained unchanged from the previous year at 14%. The study, which has been conducted annually for four years, surveyed 1,935 government agency websites from 198 countries during the summer months. According to ratings of overall e-government performance, Taiwan and Singapore rank highest, followed by the U.S., Canada, Monaco, and China. The full report is available online at [http://www.insidepolitics.org/egovt04int.html].
    [Source: InsidePolitics.org]

    Interoperability of First Responders Across U.S. Unknown, Says GAO
    09.08.04 – According to a study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Federal leadership is necessary in order to facilitate interoperable communications between first responders across the country. GAO found a strong need for developing requirements to assess the current state of interoperability so that agencies can take appropriate actions and understand their status level. The SAFECOM program, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has undertaken studies to this effect but their efforts are incomplete. The report recommends four specific steps towards greater interoperability: (1) creating a national database of communication frequencies, (2) developing a common nomenclature for those frequencies, (3) establishing a national architecture identifying technical standards, and (4) creating statewide interoperable communications plans. The report suggests that state and local governments can play a central role in interoperability issues but says Federal leadership is crucial. To view the report, see [http://www.gao.gov/atext/d041057t.txt].
    [Source: U.S. GAO]

    Policy Brief Discusses Children and the Shift to Digital Television
    09.01.04 – The Benton Foundation, a public interest organization devoted to communications issues, has published a policy brief entitled “How Children Can Benefit From The Transition to Digital TV.” The brief explains the role of television in children’s lives and what television stations are doing to meet FCC obligations. To view this and other policy briefs, visit [http://www.benton.org/].
    [Source: The Benton Foundation]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Items of Interest

    Wireless Industry Competition Report Released
    09.09.04 – The FCC adopted its 9th annual report [FCC 04-216] to Congress on competition in the wireless industry. The report found that there is effective competition in the industry, and it reviewed four indicators: market structure, carrier conduct, consumer behavior, and market performance. According to the report, 97% of the U.S. population lives in a county with access to three or more wireless phone service providers, just up from 95% the previous year. Additionally, the FCC found that the average wireless customer used 500 minutes per month at the end of 2003, up from 427 minutes the year before. A copy of the report can be found at [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-216A1.txt].
    [Source: FCC]

    Ireland to Block Phone Calls to Nations Used for Internet Scams
    09.20.04 – In an effort to prevent its citizens from incurring outrageous costs from scams in which modems are hijacked and set to international phone numbers, Ireland’s Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has ordered that direct dialing be suspended to thirteen countries that appear to be the source of the problem. According to the release by ComReg, modem hijacking schemes have affected at least three hundred Irish customers, resulting in phone bills as high as €2,000 ($2,400). Under the order, individuals will not be able to make direct phone calls to the thirteen banned countries, almost entirely island nations including French Polynesia and Tuvalu, the nation that has generated revenue from selling its “.tv” domain suffix. Customers who wish to call legitimate numbers in the thirteen countries may do so, but only by specific request. ComReg also suggests that consumers disable autodialing programs on their computers. For more information about this action, see [http://www.comreg.ie/whats_new/default.asp?ctype=5&nid=101842].
    [Source: Ireland Commission on Communications Regulation]

    NTIA Chief Addresses Georgia Policy Groups
    09.28.04 – Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Michael D. Gallagher came to Georgia to deliver remarks about the Bush Administration’s telecommunications policies. Gallagher spoke before the University of Georgia’s Schools of Law and Mass Communications and before the Georgia Public Policy Foundation about the state of the economy and various technologies. Topics of Assistant Secretary Gallagher’s talk included President Bush’s 2007 broadband initiative, wireless networks, VoIP, and spectrum policy.
    [Source: National Telecommunications and Information Administration]

    UK Assigns Special Area Code for Voice over Internet Protocol
    09.06.04 – In an effort to encourage the development of new voice services, the United Kingdom’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) issued regulations allowing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers to issue telephone numbers with a non- geographic area code. Under the rules effective immediately, VoIP service providers may choose to give out numbers with either a location-specific area code or with a new “056” code usable anywhere. The move is just one part of the Ofcom’s efforts to help Britons make the transition to IP-enabled services. The regulatory body has also published a new consumer guide in “plain English.” More information about Ofcom and this numbering action can be found at
    [http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media_office/latest_news/nr_20040906].
    [Source: United Kingdom Office of Communications]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Events

    Email Authentication Summit Will Ask Tough Questions About Spam
    11.09-10.04 – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will co-host a summit on technology to reduce the proliferation of spam on November 9-10, 2004. The summit, held in Washington, D.C., will address the question of whether domain-level authentication systems could work effectively to stop spam. Questions raised by the summit were published in a Notice [FR Doc. 04-20839], available along with more information at
    [http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/09/emailauth.htm].
    [Source: Federal Trade Commission]

    Summit Held on Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
    09.22.04 – The National Organization on Disability (NOD) held a three-day conference on emergency preparedness for people with disabilities from September 22-24 in Arlington, VA. As part of the NOD’s Emergency Preparedness Initiative, the conference featured addresses from Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, and Under Secretary Michael D. Brown, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). More information about the conference is available at [http://www.nod.org/content.cfm?id=1567].
    [Source: NOD]

    FCC to Hold Workshop on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
    10.07.04 – The FCC announced it would convene a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Workshop on October 7, 2004 at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Workshop will include developers who utilize RFID equipment and services and representatives from academia and industry. The focus will be on practical questions and solutions with a goal of encouraging new and innovative approaches to providing RFID services. For more information, see [http://www.fcc.gov/realaudio/#oct7].
    [Source: FCC]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Newsletter Info

    Center for Advanced Communications Policy
    Telecom/IT Policy Highlights Volume 4.09
    September 2004
    Alan Bakowski, Editor

    Telecom/IT Policy Highlights presents legislative, regulatory, legal, and other items of interest pertinent to information, telecommunications, and related technology policy and research. For additional information regarding the information provided in this report, or if there are newsworthy items that should be included in future editions, please contact , Research Specialist, or , Associate Director of Research.
    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE