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Telecom/IT Policy Highlights

Volume: 7.04
April 2007

Microsoft Word version / April, 2007 TiPH (180k)


Contents:
Overview
Legislative Activities
Policy / Regulatory Activities
Judicial Activities
Studies / Reports
Other Activities and Items of Interest
Upcoming Events
Newsletter Info
  • Overview

    Several notable bills were introduced in Congress this month. The “Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007,” introduced in the Senate, and “Rural Broadband Improvement Act,” introduced in the House, call for improved broadband deployment in rural America. Also introduced in the House, the “Universal Service Reform Act of 2007” would mandate the reform of the Universal Service Fund (USF). First, the proposed legislation would broaden the contributions base for the USF by requiring telecommunications service providers who have been exempt from USF contributions to finally make them. However, the bill also calls for contribution caps from companies that already make contributions to the USF. Furthermore, the proceeds of these contributors would be allocated to help aid in broadband deployment for rural and underserved areas. In addition to this newly proposed legislation, at least one bill, the “IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2007” has received the full approval of the Senate Commerce Committee. It will now proceed to the full Senate for a full vote.

    The FCC has also been very active this month. Among the Commission’s most important activities has been a renewed inquiry into the status of broadband data collection and deployment in the United States. The FCC’s action on this matter could not be better timed, as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has recently released a report ranking the United States 15th out of 30 in the area of worldwide broadband deployment. Federal organizations such as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) have been going to great lengths to address some of the OECD’s findings, however.

    The FCC continues to develop rules for the 700 MHz band that will be reserved for commercial wireless and emergency communications after the digital television (DTV) transition in early 2009. In fact, the Commission has also begun its third periodic review of the DTV transition. Finally, in two well-publicized actions, the FCC has decided to terminate its current proceeding on the use of cell phones onboard airplanes, ruling that there is not enough scientific information to consider lifting current bans. Also, the Commission took steps to prevent the fraudulent access of consumer phone records, a practice otherwise known as pretexting.


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  • Legislative Activities

    Rural Broadband Legislation Introduced in Senate, House
    03.29.2007, 04.25.2007 – In late March, Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the “Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007” [S. 1032]. The proposed legislation would amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 [7 U.S.C. 31] to establish the Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives within the Department of Agriculture. The Office would be headed by a new Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives. Much of the bill discusses the mission of the prospective Under Secretary, who would be responsible for 1) administering all rural broadband-related grant and loan programs previously administered by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, including the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program and the community connect grant program; 2) conducting rural outreach; 3) fostering development of a comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision; 4) assessing relevant technologies for rural broadband initiatives; 5) serving as a single information source for all federal rural broadband programs and services; and 6) providing technical assistance to state, regional, and local governments to develop broadband deployment strategies. The position of the Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives would also be responsible for providing the President and Congress with a comprehensive rural broadband strategy report, as well as submitting to Congress a plan for a Rural Broadband Advisory Panel. In order to fund the innovative activity envisioned in the proposed legislation, Sen. Clinton and Brown’s bill also calls for the establishment of the Rural Broadband Innovation Fund in the Treasury.

    Rural Broadband Legislation Introduced in Senate, House 03.29.2007, 04.25.2007 – In late March, Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the “Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007” [S. 1032]. The proposed legislation would amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 [7 U.S.C. 31] to establish the Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives within the Department of Agriculture. The Office would be headed by a new Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives. Much of the bill discusses the mission of the prospective Under Secretary, who would be responsible for 1) administering all rural broadband-related grant and loan programs previously administered by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, including the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program and the community connect grant program; 2) conducting rural outreach; 3) fostering development of a comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision; 4) assessing relevant technologies for rural broadband initiatives; 5) serving as a single information source for all federal rural broadband programs and services; and 6) providing technical assistance to state, regional, and local governments to develop broadband deployment strategies. The position of the Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives would also be responsible for providing the President and Congress with a comprehensive rural broadband strategy report, as well as submitting to Congress a plan for a Rural Broadband Advisory Panel. In order to fund the innovative activity envisioned in the proposed legislation, Sen. Clinton and Brown’s bill also calls for the establishment of the Rural Broadband Innovation Fund in the Treasury.

    Several weeks later, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) and four co-sponsors introduced the “Rural Broadband Improvement Act” [H.R. 2035] on the floor of the House. Like the similar legislation pending in the Senate, Herseth Sandlin’s bill would amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, particularly § 95, which covers access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. The purpose of this section is to provide loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment for broadband service in eligible rural communities. The proposed legislation would expand the definition of what constitutes a rural area and broaden the loan programs available for broadband deployment.

    For a copy of the “Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007,” please visit [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:S.1032:]. The text of the “Rural Broadband Improvement Act” is available at [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.2035:]. [Source: Library of Congress]

    Universal Service Reform Bill Introduced in House
    04.26.2007 – House Commerce Committee members Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Lee Terry (R-NE) have introduced the “Universal Service Reform Act of 2007.” The bill represents the latest attempt to improve the Universal Service Fund (USF) and guarantee its sustainability by broadening the contribution base for the USF, tightening distribution of funds, and assisting with continued broadband deployment. The proposed legislation would mandate the reform of the Universal Service Fund (USF) through a compromise of several interests. First, the proposed legislation would broaden

    the contributions base for the USF by requiring telecommunications service providers who have been exempt from USF contributions to finally make them. Among these are Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers, which are currently exempt from USF payments. At the same time, the Universal Service Reform Act of 2007 controls the growth of the USF by capping all high-cost support mechanisms of the USF. The bill calls for contribution caps from companies that already make contributions to the USF and, as such, has received support from AT&T, Qwest, the National Telephone Cooperation Association (NTCA), and other telecommunications companies and stakeholders. The measure will also encourage the deployment of broadband, especially in rural areas, by allowing recipients to use universal service support to deploy broadband within their service areas and by requiring recipients of universal service support to deploy broadband with a download speed of 1 megabit per second or greater within 5 years of enactment. For a copy of this bill, please see [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.2054:]. [Sources: Library of Congress and Office of Rep. Rick Broucher]

    VoIP/E-911 Bill Approved by Senate Commerce Committee
    04.25.2007 – The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved the “IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2007” [S. 428] at its latest markup session on April 25, 2007. The bill, which was introduced by Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), and co-sponsors Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Sen. Frank Lautenburg (D-NJ), and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), would amend the “IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999” to require Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers who engage in interstate or foreign commerce to offer Enhanced 911 (E-911) service to their subscribers. The proposed legislation was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee for its consideration. Committee vice chairman Ted Stevens (R-AK) proposed three amendments to the original bill. First, the bill will give the FCC authority to fold 911 requirements into new services as they evolve, without requiring Congressional intervention for each new technological change. Stevens’ amendment gives the FCC regulatory authority over all communications providers of 911 and E-911 services. Second, Stevens inserted a provision that directing the FCC to ensure that access to the 911 emergency networks does not compromise security. This amendment is designed to take into account the technological differences in VoIP communications from its predecessors. Finally, since half American counties do not have E-911 capability and to ensure that all communities may take advantage of the next generation 911 network, the amendment requires that the study identify mechanisms and timetables for developing next generation 911 capability ubiquitously. The study of the next generation network would also be required to incorporate altitude information and identify technical solutions for such structures as skyscrapers, for example, where new technologies are available that identify a caller’s location in tall buildings.

    The bill, with Sen. Stevens’ three amendments added, passed the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously. It will now proceed to the full Senate for a vote. [Sources: Library of Congress and Senate Commerce Committee]


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  • Policy / Regulatory Activities

    Broadband Data and Broadband Deployment Inquiries Initiated by FCC
    04.16.2007 – The FCC has begun two proceedings focused on evaluating broadband deployment. Both actions by the FCC recognize the importance of broadband for the nation’s present and future prosperity. First, the FCC has issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) [FCC 07-21] to determine how best to understand broadband and make it more available. Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 mandates that the FCC determine whether broadband services are being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely manner, and this inquiry is the fifth such NOI issued by the FCC on broadband deployment. In this NOI, the Commission asks how best to define broadband in light of the rapid technological changes occurring in the marketplace, such as the development of higher-speed services and new broadband platforms. The FCC will also focus on 1) the availability of broadband, especially in rural and underserved areas; 2) whether consumers are adopting new services; and 3) the level of competition in the marketplace. The Commission asks what can be done to accelerate the rollout of broadband services, and it seeks comment on current investment trends in the industry. In addition, the FCC seeks comment on external data sources that provide greater insight into broadband prices and consumer choice.

    Second, the FCC has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) [FCC 07-17] to explore ways in which the Commission can collect the information it needs to set broadband policy in the future. The FCC seeks comment on whether it should modify collection of speed tier information and how to improve the data collected about wireless broadband Internet service. The NPRM also seeks to determine how the Commission can best collect information about subscribership to interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service, or VoIP. Finally, the FCC seeks comment on how best to develop a more accurate picture on current broadband deployment, as well as gather information on price, other factors that affect consumer uptake of broadband services, and international comparisons.

    The FCC’s NOI and NPRM into broadband deployment come less than one month after the Commission issued a separate NOI seeking comment on its 2005 Internet Policy Statement and more information on broadband market practices (See TIPH 7.03 for more information). A copy of the FCC’s NOI on broadband deployment is available at [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-21A1.txt] (MS Word and PDF versions also available). Comments are due no later than May 16, 2007, and reply comments are due by May 31, 2007. For a copy of the FCC’s NPRM on the collection of broadband information for improved policy making, please see [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-17A1.txt] (MS Word and PDF versions also available). Comments will be due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, and reply comments will be due 60 days after publication in the Register. [Source: FCC]

    Commercial Wireless, Public Safety Rules in 700 MHz Band Addressed by FCC 04.25.2007 – The FCC has adopted and released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning rules governing wireless licenses in the 698-806 MHz spectrum band, commonly referred to as the “700 MHz Band.” Currently, this spectrum is being used for analog television broadcasting, but will be vacated for wireless services, both commercial and public safety related, after the digital television transition is completed on February 17, 2009. To prepare for the reallocation of this bandwidth for wireless applications, the FCC has been considering rules for the 700 MHz bandwidth in three separate and ongoing proceedings: 1) the 700 MHz Commercial Services proceeding, 2) the 700 MHz Guard Bands proceeding, and 3) the 700 MHz Public Safety proceeding. The FCC’s new Order will affect rulemaking in all three of these proceedings.

    In the R&O, the FCC approved several actions related to the commercial services portions of the 700 MHz Band. The Commission has adopted a mix of geographic area sizes for licensing the spectrum – including Cellular Market Areas (CMAs), Economic Areas (EAs) and Regional Economic Area Groupings (REAGs) – and established rules related to power limits and other technical issues, as well as initial license terms. In addition, the FCC applied 911/E-911 and hearing aid compatibility rules to all commercial mobile radio services (CMRS) providers. Regarding the 700 MHz Guard Bands, the FCC has expressed particular interest in encouraging the efficient and effective use of the Guard Band spectrum. As a result, the FCC replaced the existing Guard Band Manager leasing rules with the spectrum leasing policies established in the FCC’s Secondary Markets proceeding, providing Guard Band licensees with greater flexibility. Finally, the Commission tentatively concluded that the current public safety wideband allocation should be revised only if broadband applications consistent with a nationwide interoperability standard are deployed on a forward basis. The FCC also tentatively concluded that it should consolidate the 700 MHz Public Safety spectrum, by combining the narrowband spectrum at the upper portion of the public safety allocation and the broadband spectrum at the lower portion. The FCC’s goal remains the establishment of nationwide interoperable wireless broadband for public safety.

    The FNPRM seeks comments on a number of issues. Among these is the use of geographic build-out requirements for commercial wireless providers. Comment is also sought on several proposals to modify the 700 MHz band plan, including proposals recently filed by Frontline Wireless, LLC, and various public interest groups. For a copy of the FCC’s R&O and FNPRM, please see [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-72A1.txt] (MS Word and PDF versions also available). Comments will be due 21 days after publication in the Federal Register, and reply comments will be due 28 days after publication in the Register. [Source: FCC]

    Privacy Rules for Telephone and Wireless Carriers Strengthened by FCC 04.02.2007 – The FCC has strengthened its rules designed to protect consumer privacy by ordering telephone and wireless companies to implement additional safeguards to ensure that caller records are not subject to unauthorized disclosure. In a Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [FCC 07-22], the FCC has directed telephone and wireless providers to initiate a number of safeguards to protect the release of customer proprietary network information (CPNI). Most important, the FCC prohibits carriers from releasing a customer’s phone call records

    when the customer calls the carrier, except when the customer provides a password. If the customer does not provide a password, a carrier may only release call records by mailing the information to an address of record or by the carrier calling the customer at the telephone number of record. The FCC Order establishes a notification process for both law enforcement and customers in the event of a CPNI breach. The Commission has also developed a set of rules to ensure that all carriers file an annual certification with the FCC, along with an explanation of any actions taken against data brokers and summary of consumer complaints regarding the unauthorized release of CPNI. To ensure that all callers are protected, the FCC has extended its rules to cover providers or interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. In addition to its Order, the FCC is also seeking comment on what additional steps, if any, the Commission should take to protect the privacy of consumers. Comments will be due 30 days after publication of the R&O and NPRM in the Federal Register, and reply comments will be due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. For a copy of the R&O and NPRM, please see [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-22A1.txt] (MS Word and PDF versions also available). [Source: FCC]

    Proceeding on the Use of Cellular Phones Onboard Aircraft Terminated by FCC 04.02.2007 – The FCC has released a Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) [FCC 07-47] that terminates the Commission’s proceeding into the use of cellular phones onboard aircraft, especially passenger jets. In December 2004, the FCC had adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to examine the existing rule that cellular phones be turned off once a plane left the ground in order to avoid interference with cellular networks on the ground. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also has a similar rule restricting the use of cellular phones and other portable electronic devices (PED) onboard aircraft, in order to protect against possible interference with the plane’s communication and navigation systems. For a copy of the FCC’s Memorandum Opinion and Order, please see [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-47A1.txt] (MS Word and PDF versions also available). [Source: FCC]

    Third Review of Digital Television Transition Begun by FCC 04.25.2007 – The FCC has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [FCC 07-70] as the Commission begins its third periodic review of the nation’s transition from analog to digital television (DTV) broadcasting. As the February 17, 2009, transition deadline nears, the FCC’s NPRM proposes guidelines and deadlines to ensure that broadcasters complete construction of their post-transition, digital facilities by the statutory deadline so that service to viewers is not disrupted. In this NPRM, the FCC is considering to, 1) restrict the granting of additional time to construct DTV broadcasting facilities, 2) offer expedited construction permits to television stations for their post-transition digital channel, 3) examine the circumstances in which stations may reduce or terminate analog service to facilitate the construction of their post-transition channel, and 4) permit stations that have different pre-transition and post-transition channels to devote their

    resources to building their post-transition channel. In a separate proceeding, the FCC has issued a Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [FCC 07-71], seeking comment on proposals to ensure that all cable subscribers, including those with analog television sets, can view “must-carry” local television channels on their cable services after the DTV transition on February 17, 2009. About 50 percent of all cable subscribers, or about 32 million households, subscribe to analog cable service, and of those who are digital cable subscribers, many have at least one television set that in their house that receives only analog service. Cable operators must ensure that all cable subscribers have the ability to view all must-carry local broadcast stations. To ensure that this statutory requirement is satisfied and to minimize the burden of the DTV transition for consumers as much as possible, the FCC proposes that cable operators must either, 1) carry the signals of all must-carry stations in an analog format to all analog cable subscribers, or 2) for all-digital systems, carry those signals only in digital format, provided that all subscribers have the necessary equipment to view the broadcast content.

    Finally, the FCC has issued a Second Report and Order [FCC 07-69] that requires retailers to inform customers when the television equipment they sell only contains an analog tuner. The Commission’s current DTV tuner rule prohibits the manufacture, import, or interstate shipment of any device containing an analog tuner, unless it also contains a digital tuner. The FCC has adopted but not yet released the text of the NPRM on its third review of the DTV transition, NRPM on must carry rules for cable providers as result of the DTV transition, and the Report and Order requiring retailers to notify customers when televisions are analog only. Once these three items have been released, the comments and reply comments dates will be provided. [Source: FCC]


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  • Judicial Activities

    Supreme Court Ruling FCC Rules on Payphone Compensation 04.17.2007 – The U.S. Supreme Court has issued its opinion in Global Crossing v. Metrophones [No. 05-705], a case involving the FCC’s rules requiring long distance carriers to compensate payphone operators to obtain free access to the carrier’s lines. The Supreme Court’s decision in this case upholds the Commission’s rules. In addition, the Court ruled that a payphone operator may bring a federal action against a carrier that refuses to make the payments required by the FCC rules. In this case, Metrophones Communications, a payphone operator, originally brought suit against Global Crossing Telecommunications, a long distance operator. Metrophones sought compensation from Global Crossing for each time one of its customers obtained free access to Global Crossing’s lines. Global Crossing declined to pay, and Metrophones responded by filing a complaint in U.S. District Court. Global Crossing responded to the District Court’s ruling by filing an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the case subsequently made its way to the Supreme Court.

    In issuing its 7-2 opinion in the case, with Justices Scalia and Thomas dissenting, the Supreme Court found that “the FCC’s application of [47 U.S.C.] § 201(b) to the carrier’s refusal to pay compensation is a reasonable interpretation of the statue; hence it is lawful.” A copy of the Supreme Court’s opinion in Global Crossing v. Metrophones may

    be found at [http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-705.pdf] (PDF only). [Source: U.S. Supreme Court]


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  • Studies / Reports

    NTIA Issues Factsheet as Rebuttal to OECD Report on Broadband Penetration 04.24.2007 – The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has issued its latest report on worldwide broadband penetration. According to the report, the United States is now ranked 15th out of 30 member nations in the area of per capita broadband use. The report shows that the U.S. has been steadily declining in broadband use, down from 12th place just six months ago and 4th place in 2001. Furthermore, the OECD report finds that the United States ranks 20th out of 30 in the area of broadband deployment. An analysis of the OECD data by Free Press found that currently about 40 percent of U.S. households subscribe to broadband service. If the U.S. penetration level were as high as in Denmark or the Netherlands, this would translate into an additional 33 million total residential high-speed Internet subscribers, or a household penetration level of 67 percent.

    To provide a rebuttal to the OECD report, the NTIA has released a fact sheet that finds the United States to be ranked 1st in three areas: total number of broadband subscribers (64.6 million), total number of Internet users (211 million), and total number of Wi-Fi hotspots (49,733). Drawing on FCC statistics, the fact sheet also found that between June 2001 and June 2006, the number of homes with broadband in the United States has increased by 599 percent, from 9.2 million high-speed lines to 64.6 million. During the same period, satellite and wireless broadband grew by 5,998 percent. As of June 30, 2006, DSL connections were available to 79 percent of households with telephone service available, and cable modem service was available to 93 percent of households with cable service available.

    For an overview of the OECD report, including the organization’s rankings of worldwide broadband penetration, please see [http://www.oecd.org/sti/ict/broadband]. The NTIA’s fact sheet on broadband penetration in the U.S. is available at [http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2007/ICTleader_042407.html] (PDF version also available). [Sources: OECD, Free Press, and NTIA]


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  • Other Activities and Items of Interest

    MVNO Services Continue to Grow with New Initiatives 04.02.2007 – Sonopia, a company launched by former Microsoft executive Juha Christensen, promises to provide groups as diverse as the Long Island Ducks baseball team and National Wildlife Federation with the opportunity to provide their own brands of wireless service. Sonopia, which launched publically on April 2nd, is a company that provides groups with the ability to operate as their own mobile virtual network operators (MVNO). Essentially, a group can sign up online, working through a company such as Sonopia, to offer wireless service delivered via a major wireless network such as Verizon, in the case of Sonopia. MVNOs can also offer a wide selection of calling packages and their own branded phones. Perhaps the best known MVNO in the United States is Helio, launched about a year ago

    and joint venture between SK Telecom and EarthLink. Helio markets itself to the younger demographic, promoting itself using the latest in cutting-edge handset technology. To achieve success, Helio avoids taking on the major US wireless carriers directly, and works toward developing a niche market of technology-savvy consumers. Much of Helio’s wireless capacity is provided by Sprint Nextel, as well as Alltel and Verizon when Sprint Nextel is unavailable. On April 4, Nokia announced its first-ever partnership with an MNVO partner, signing an agreement with Blyk. Nokia Siemens Networks will supply, build and host Blyk's core network as it offers free, advertiser-funded mobile telephony service. Nokia Siemens Networks has plans to grow its managed services and hosting operations, where it maintains and administers networks on behalf of operators. [Sources: Business Week, Scientific American, and Reuters]


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  • Upcoming Events

    CTIA Wireless I.T. and Entertainment 2007 Conference 10.23.2007-10.25.2007 – CTIA: The Wireless Association will be hosting its annual Wireless I.T. and Entertainment Conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, from October 23-25, 2007. CTIA’s fall trade show is billed this year as “One Show, Two Personalities,” as it focuses on the emerging role wireless is playing in the enterprise and entertainment worlds. The show plans to highlight the integration of wireless data technologies into the enterprise through vertical business markets such as healthcare, government, automotive, and retail. For more information on the conference, please visit the CTIA Wireless I.T. and Entertainment 2007 website at [http://www.wirelessit.com/].

    International Conference on Digital Government Research 05.20-23.2007 – The Digital Government Society of North America will hold its 8th Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research at Sheraton Society Hill, in Philadelphia, on May 20-23, 2007. The conference provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of interdisciplinary research on digital government and its applications in diverse domains. Topics for this year’s conference include, but are not limited to, social science research and citizen interactions, computer science and information technology research to support government, and IT-enabled government operations and government application domains. Interested participants are invited to submit research papers, as well as proposals for panels, system demonstrations, posters, and pre-conference tutorials and workshops. For more information, please consult the conference website at [http://www.dgsociety.org/call_for_papers.php].

    Seventh IASTED Conference on Wireless and Optical Communications 05.30.3007-06.01.2007 - The International Association of Science and Technology for Development (IASTED) will host its Seventh International Conference on Wireless and

    Optical Communications (WOC 2007), to be held at the Delta Hotel Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, on May 30-June 1, 2007. The WOC 2007 conference will serve as a major forum for scientists, engineers, and practitioners throughout the world to present their latest research, ideas, developments, and applications in all areas of telecommunications systems, with an emphasis on wireless and optical communications. In particular, the conference's aim is to strengthen relations between the telecommunication industry, research laboratories, and universities. WOC 2007 will consist of the following four symposia: 1) Communication Systems and Applications (CSA 2007), 2) Optical Communication Systems and Networks (OCSN 2007), 3) Wireless Networks and Emerging Technologies (WNET 2007), and 4) Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN 2007). For more information about the event, please visit the IASTED conference website at [http://www.iasted.org/conferences/cfp-565.html]. [Source: IASTED]


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  • Newsletter Info

    Center for Advanced Communications Policy
    Telecom/IT Policy Highlights Volume 7.04
    April 2007
    Nathan W Moon, 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 , Director of Research and Editor in Chief.
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