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

Telecom/IT Policy Highlights

Volume: 9.05
July-August 2009

Microsoft Word version / July-August 2009 TiPH (136kB)

Adobe PDF version / July-August 2009 TiPH (97kB)

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

    During the months of July and August the Federal Communications Commission has been working to implement the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program which was set forth in February by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The Act’s goals are to provide broadband to all niches of the American public from the unserved to the underserved. To ensure that these goals are met in an efficient and effective manner, the FCC has set up workshops to gather public, professional, and academic insights on the project. Additionally, they have set up a series of devices that keep citizens up to date on the progress and hurdles of the project. The FCC has also been working on solutions to curb the tendency of particular groups to not participate in broadband technology through education and interactive application. If completed correctly, the broadband network could help with President Obama’s plan of having a Telehealth Network in which information could be efficiently shared between health organizations to speed patient in/out times and lower costs and malpractice.

    In other news, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski set the tone for how he will be operating the ‘new’ FCC in a public comment on net neutrality. He plans to hone in on regulation and support of net neutrality. The FCC has also, in response to catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina, opened up the 700mHz band as an emergency communications bandwidth. Georgia applied, and was approved for its emergency bandwidth application from the FCC.

    Finally, we examine other updates happening in the IT/Telecom world. San Francisco’s adoption of dataSF.org, a government release of city information provided for public use. Similar projects have been started in places like Washington D.C. where the information is coupled with application software to get the most use out of the information. Google, Apple, and AT&T have been at odds over Apple’s rejection of Google Voice on its Apple Applications database. Apple and AT&T have been accused of participating in anti-competition against Google. Lastly, Google Street View has been experiencing implementation issues in Switzerland due to complaints of privacy violations such as insufficient blurring of faces and licenses plates.


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Legislative Activities

    Telehealth and Telemedicine
    08.24.2009 – This past month, Telephony Online published an analysis on the issue of how health-related information technology and digital health records might be affected by the proposed health care legislation under consideration by Congress. Of importance is an effort by the Obama administration towards telehealth. The United States’ healthcare system is a conglomeration of many moving parts, unlike some of its European counterparts. This can cause potential issues of information sharing for example between a small town doctor and a large hospital. One of the many goals of telehealth is to use broadband networks to share medical information more efficiently, potentially saving lives and lowering healthcare wait times. Currently, projects from private companies have been addressing this issue and researching a possible solution.

    The Obama administration has considered the feasibility of several plans. A rural plan expands broadband service and telemedicine to rural areas and in addition uses telemedicine to provide health care to veterans. In the disability plan, the Fostering Independence through Technology Act (FITT), created test runs to expand the use of telehomecare. The Act creates incentives for home health companies to start using more telehomecare equipment. This allows seniors and disabled people to receive the healthcare they need while remaining at home; for patients being treated at home, it saves large hospital bed and treatment costs. Finally, the President has discussed an investment of $50 billion in an electronic health record system, specifically targeting workers in rural and underserved areas. [Sources: Telephony Online and Center for Telehealth and E-Health Law


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Policy / Regulatory Activities

    Georgia’s 700MHz Bandwidth Plan Approved by FCC
    08.25.2009 – On August 25th, the FCC approved Georgia’s plan to use newly freed bandwidth in the 700 MHz spectrum for a national interoperable public safety broadband communications network. The plan allows for use of the lower end of the recently freed up 700MHz band to be allocated for the benefit of state and local public safety users. The plan consists of virtually all aspects, including bylaws, meeting minutes, and defines spectrum utilization as well as system utilization criteria.

    The plan will allow the State of Georgia, the Georgia Technology Authority and the State Interoperability Executive Committee to utilize interoperability channels. After receiving the plan from Georgia on January 5th, 2009, it was posted on the FCC’s website for comments and then subsequently approved on August 25th.

    For more information on Georgia’s plan for the 700 MHz band, please see [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-1865A1.txt] (MS Word and PDF also available). [Source: FCC]

    National Broadband Plan Workshops Announced by FCC
    08.03.2009 – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has allocated funds towards a National Broadband Plan (NBP). The goal is to provide all Americans with access to broadband. Currently, workshops are being held by the FCC for service providers, communities and other groups to voice opinions and concerns about the plan. The expectation is that the workshops will help to devise a plan that will work well for all stakeholders in the NBP.

    Julius Genachowski, chairman of the FCC, has taken the position that government requires input from all of the stakeholders to ensure that the plan will accomplish its goal to “spur innovation, promote competition, create jobs, and bring the powerful benefits of broadband to all Americans.” He also indicated the workshops will help to create a meaningful record of the development of the plan. The workshops started in August and will run through September. The final National Broadband Plan must be submitted to Congress no later than February 17, 2010.

    Upcoming workshops will cover broadband use by public safety and homeland security, smart grid initiatives, broadband and climate change, economic factors, job training, and the application of devices. People who cannot attend the workshops in person will be able to participate online.

    For more details about upcoming workshops, please visit [http://www.broadband.gov] and [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-292517A1.txt] (MS Word and PDF also available). [Sources: FCC and Benton Foundation]

    National Broadband Plan: BlogBand and Tweets
    08.17.2009 – In addition to the upcoming National Broadband Plan workshops, the FCC is seeking additional participation in the proposed plan. An official blog on the plan directs its attention to the public with information and progress updates. In the blog, participants in the workshops write about the workshops, the issues that concern them, and potential solutions to problems. Though it is a blog, the FCC strives for a dual channel communication in which readers will write feedback and ideas as well as create open discussions. It is intended to inform the public, but allow them the opportunity to comment and add their own insight.

    In addition, briefer updates are available on the FCC’s official Twitter feed, which provides constant updates on the workshops, what is being discussed, what is voted on, and issues that are being handled. The update times vary from every few minutes to every couple hours.

    Visit the official National Broadband Plan blog at [http://blog.broadband.gov]. The FCC’s Twitter feed may be accessed at [ http://www.twitter.com/fccdotgov]. For more information on the FCC’s outreach initiatives, please see [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-292810A1.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-292810A1.doc]. [Source: FCC]

    “Net Neutrality” Issues Taken Up by FCC, Lawmakers
    08.25.2009 – Net neutrality is based on open Internet principles that do not allow service providers to limit traffic to a certain website. Recently, the FCC took action against cable provider Comcast for allegedly limiting traffic to the peer-to-peer program BitTorrent. In response, Comcast is challenging the FCC’s authority in this matter through court action.

    In response to the pending court action, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has expressed support for net neutrality principles. In addition, Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) recently introduced legislation that would ban providers from discriminatory practices. [Sources: FCC, Library of Congress, and The Hill.com]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Studies / Reports

    Quarterly Report on Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)
    08.17.2009 – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently released a quarterly report on the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program’s (BTOP) progress, changes, and anticipated actions. On July 1, the Vice President announced a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) regarding the first round of grants for the BTOP. The details, released on July 9, outlined the requirements and application process, designated up to $1.6 billion in funds, and a joint website was created with all important public information. NTIA predicts that there will be two more rounds of NOFAs before the end of 2009 and one more in the spring of 2010.

    In a related issue, ARRA contains “Buy American” clauses that require contractors to purchase broadband equipment made in the United States as part of a plan meant to help stimulate the American economy. However, the Secretary of Commerce ruled in the case of broadband equipment, that this would not be in the public interest. Hence, the requirement has been waived for equipment to support broadband deployment.

    An additional Notice of Funds available was announced for the mapping of state broadband data with a maximum reward of up to $500,000 per project. These projects can be undertaken by any group and will be directly given the reward. The broadband mapping data can be used to accurately show which areas call for the highest level of broadband expansion. The rewards of the mapping programs are merit based; the best, most accurate maps will be rewarded. To answer public questions and attack potential issues the NTIA and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) conducted a series of ten workshops throughout the nation during July. The high turnout (2500 participants and 400 participants online) signify that the public interest is very high and the programs should move forward expediently. The next quarterly report should be issued by November 16, 2009.

    For of a copy of the BTOP Quarterly Report, please visit [http://www.ntia.doc.gov/recovery/BTOP/BTOP_QuarterlyReport_090818.pdf]. [Source: NTIA]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Other Activities and Items of Interest

    Apple, Google Contend over Google Voice App
    08.25.2009 – Apple operates an App Store where iPhone and iPod users can create, sell, buy, and download applications for their devices. The creator receives up to 70% of the revenue whereas Apple receives the other 30%. Apple, however, has the final say of what applications will be allowed and which ones violate their terms and/or purpose. Many applications have been previously banned for “objectionable” content.” But a recent controversial removal involved the Google Voice App.

    Google Voice allows users to make free calls after paying a monthly Apps fee renewal. Apple removed the application with the explanation that Google Voice replaced the dialer of the phone, a main feature of the iPhone itself. The FCC sent a contact email to Apple questioning the role of AT&T in the removal of the application. This action comes as a result of rumors that AT&T lobbied for the removal of Google Voice because it was a direct competitor. If proved true, it could be perceived as an act of anti-competition by AT&T and Apple. [Sources: Telephony Online and Techcrunch.com]

    Google Street View: Implementation Issues
    08.25.2009 – Google has been providing a free service for the past few years that allows users to view the streets of virtually anywhere in the world. The images of the streets are captured by a camera mounted on top of a vehicle. The vehicle then drives down different streets taking continuous pictures conglomerating them into one cohesive image. The user can then click arrow buttons to navigate as if they were driving down the street.

    Recently, under pressure from the U.S. Tax Authorities, the Swiss Government set limitations on the privacy given to banking customers. In response to this loss of privacy, the Swiss have demonstrated more stringent privacy laws in relation to Google’s Street View. The actions came as a result of inadequate blurring of faces and license plates, among other things. Google did not anticipate any allegations especially considering an 80% increase in usage of the service since releasing it in Switzerland. Google is now collaborating with the Swiss government to assure that all steps are taken to comply with Swiss Law.

    This is not the first time Google has run into implementation issues with its Street View application. The Japanese requested pictures to be shot from lower angles to avoid pictures over people’s fences. In the United Kingdom, citizens of a small town created a human wall that stopped the picture collector from entering the town. On the other hand, the service has proven quite helpful and has in one case saved the life of a little girl. Despite the problems of privacy, Google Street View has been growing in popularity. Furthermore, the company has demonstrated willingness to negotiate its conditions to serve the law of each area it encompasses. [Source: InformationWeek]

    San Francisco’s Open Government Initiative
    08.20.2009 – San Francisco has recently undertaken a number of open government initiatives. Two features of the movement is their website DataSF.org and their plan for Municipal WiMax. Their government website releases a range of data on the city of San Francisco including crime, elections, environment, health, housing, public policy, etc. The information released is available to anyone with Internet access, and the datasets can be requested, rated, and commented on. The local government hopes the information will spur an innovation of software such as the iPhone application, EcoFinder, which uses the data to help consumers find the easiest way to recycle. Also, the municipal WiMax is still underway in San Francisco and forecasted to be ready by 2013. The public wireless broadband system will rely on 360 solar-powered WiMax centers located at bus stops around the city.

    The idea shows similarities to the open data process that US Chief Information Officer, Vivek Kundra, set forth in Washington D.C. In D.C., the information was released, but there was a competition to see who could create an application that made the most use out of the data. The winner was offered a monetary reward. Chris Vein, the CIO of San Francisco, plans to celebrate the winners with the recognition of creating the application instead of a monetary award. [Sources: TelephonyOnline and Government Technology]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Upcoming Events

    Wireless RERC to Hold State of the Technology Conference
    09.21-23.2009 - The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC) will hold its State of the Technology conference in Atlanta, September 21-23, 2009. This conference will focus specifically on wireless emergency communications and will feature panel sessions and technology demonstrations.

    For more information, including how to register, please contact Salimah LaForce, Conference Coordinator at 404-894-8297 (office) or by e-mail at salimah.laforce@cacp.gatech.edu. The website for the conference may be accessed at [http://sot.wirelessrerc.org/].

    CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment 2009 Conference
    10.06-09.2009 – CTIA – The Wireless Association will hold its annual Wireless IT & Entertainment 2009 Conference at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, October 6-9, 2009. This year’s conference will focus on applications, network architecture and technologies such as LBS, machine-to-machine and WiMAX, and it seeks to bring together a community of users, carriers, developers and manufacturers to generate dialogue, share ideas and debate the economics of mobile business.

    For more information about the conference, including how to register, please visit [http://www.wirelessit.com/]


    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  • Newsletter Info

    Center for Advanced Communications Policy
    Telecom/IT Policy Highlights Volume 9.04
    July-August 2009
    William Keck, 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 , or , Director of Research and Editor in Chief.
    BACK TO TOP OF PAGE