FCC Developing Broadband Grid Plan : MediaBytes with Shelly Palmer April 9, 2009 April 9, 2009
Posted by Mark Blei in : Uncategorized , add a commentThe FCC began its Notice of Inquiry to create a National Broadband Plan. A plan to roll out a nationwide, broadband grid is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which requires the FCC to develop “the most effective and efficient ways to ensure broadband access for all Americans.” FCC interim commissioner Michael Copps noted that “If we do our job well, this will be the most formative—indeed transformative—proceeding ever in the Commission’s history.”
Politicians are beginning to lobby against Time Warner Cable’s decision to charge users by the amount of bandwidth consumed. NY Congressman Eric Massa, who represents Corning, NY, which is near Rochester, one of the cities TWC is testing tiered broadband plans, noted that “at a time when access to information is driving our economic recovery, Time Warner is moving to stagnate the 21st Century technology needed to rebuild America.” While technically there is nothing legislators can do to regulate TWC’s actions, this sort of tiered payment platform could give competitors like Verizon and AT&T a leg up on TWC.
According to AdAge, YouTube is now selling advertising on 9% of all US video views. While YouTube has yet to develop a profitable business plan, a spokesman noted that it is placing ads around more videos that its nearest competitor, MySpace, has total views. YouTube ad sales are up 3% over last year.
Apple is being sued over its touchscreen feature by Taiwanese company Elan Microelectronics. Elan’s lawsuit alleges that Apple’s MacBook, iPhone and iPod touch infringe on two patents that Elan has the rights to. Apple refused to comment on the patent infringement suit.
Rather than waiting until Summer, ABC is launching some off-season shows at the end of May. The network will begin airing episodes of The Bachelorette, Here Come The Newlyweds and Wipeout, as well as The Goode Family, before other networks begin their Summer schedules.
Supreme Court Hears Fox, FCC Arguments November 5, 2008
Posted by Mark Blei in : Uncategorized , add a commentNEW YORK As most of Washington focused on the elections, the Supreme Court on Tuesday began oral arguments in the closely followed case centering on indecency and swearing on TV.
It was unclear where the majority of justices was leaning as the court began reviewing the case, Federal Communications Commission vs. Fox, to decide whether the agency can subject broadcasters to fines when they air so-called “fleeting expletives” on live TV broadcasts or even vulgar language on entertainment programming.
While observers expected to hear an occasional swear word as FCC and Fox attorneys discussed the issue with the justices, the use of such euphemisms as “the f-word” and “s-word” helped everyone avoid that, reports said.
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FCC to Comcast: Throttling Broadband is Unlawful July 14, 2008
Posted by Mark Blei in : Uncategorized , add a commentGET MORE GREAT MARKETINGVOX CONTENT INCLUDING NEWSLETTERS HERE
FCC to Comcast: Throttling Broadband is Unlawful
Comcast’s attempts to throttle user bandwidth have been ruled unlawful by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — a coup for ‘net neutrality proponents.
Throttling broadband, the practice of slowing internet service down for heavy users, is an unpopular means of discouraging peer-to-peer filesharing. Last year the media panned Comcast when it confessed to throttling access to torrent sites, and in March 2008 it vowed to seek less controversial alternatives to serve users. Three months later, it piloted a slower service for those that consume more bandwidth than others — regardless of what they use it for.
FCC Chair Kevin Martin called the FCC ruling “a good first step.” He added that it would “set baseline protections for consumers that we can build upon.”
Last week Martin recommended the FCC rule against Comcast on the topic of throttling, arguing it violates the principle of treating all web traffic equally. The recommendation required that Comcast stop slowing certain types of traffic. It must also disclose its network management practices. The company was not charged a fine.
Comcast remains unapologetic.
“Comcast does not block any Internet content, application, or service,” said Senior Director Sena Fitzmaurice of Comcast’s corporate communications. “The carefully limited measures that Comcast takes to manage traffic on its broadband network are a reasonable part of Comcast’s strategy to ensure a high-quality, reliable Internet experience for all Comcast High-Speed Internet customers and are used by many other ISPs around the world.”
