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from: CNET

Appeals court dismisses suit against NSA spy program

By Anne Broache

Fri Jul 06, 2007

In a setback for foes of a controversial Bush administration wiretapping program, a federal appeals court on Friday threw out an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit that alleged illicit snooping on Americans' calls and e-mails.

from: Mondaq.com

United States: Communications Law Bulletin -- June 2007

09 July 2007
Article by Charles H. Kennedy

The Month in Brief

Although the prospects for comprehensive amendment of the Communications Act are dim this year, Congress, the courts, the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC" or "Commission"), and the states continue to alter the legal landscape in areas ranging from broadcast indecency to universal service reform. These developments are presented here, along with our usual list of deadlines for your calendar.

from: The Review

New cable providers bill affects townships

By LEIGH ANN KAISER (lkaiser@reviewonline.com)

Liverpool Township Trustee Karl Kontnier recently aired his frustration regarding Ohio Senate Bill 117 which was signed into law by Gov. Ted Strickland June 25.

The bill, which passed by a 94-2 vote in the house and a 33-0 vote in the senate, will dissolve the right of local governments to negotiate contracts with cable providers to establish a statewide franchise.

from: From Berkshire Eagle

Massachusetts Cable Bill Travels Down Slow Road

July 4, 2007
By Hillary Chabot

Lawmakers say a controversial bill meant to encourage cable competition might not pass this year because of fierce opposition from cities and towns.

Rep. Brian Dempsey, D-Haverhill, who is chairman of the telecommunications committee reviewing the bill, said that the bill is in no way dead, but that committee members need time to study it after mayors, city managers and other municipal officials statewide spoke out against it earlier this month.

from: Madison.com

Residents also irked by action on cable

MARK PITSCH

FRI., JUL 6, 2007 - 10:11 AM

Some Madison residents who told an advocacy group they supported competition for cable television providers said they're angry the group implied to state lawmakers that they endorsed specific legislation affecting cable TV.

From: Wisconsin State Journal

Cable Bill Foes Irked at Being Listed as Backers

July 5, 2007
By Mark Pitsch

At the Democratic Party convention last week Cynthia Laitman urged delegates to oppose legislation pushed by telecommunications giant AT&T designed to bring competition to cable television.

from: Center for Public Integrity

Telco Deployment by ZIP Code at Issue in Legislation

By Drew Clark

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2007 — The Center for Public Integrity's efforts to shed light on local Internet availability are having an impact in the legislative and regulatory debate over broadband.

Note: Trade away public interest obligations today for the promise of competition in 2012 (well 25% that is).

from: DSL Reports

The Broadband Market in 2012

"The telcos, in terms of the size of their footprint, simply aren't a core issue for cable operators
-Sanford Bernstein's Greg Moffett

Note: The comment is a must read on this article

from: Small Business Times

Competition does reduce cable prices

Posted on July 03, 2007 4:35 AM
By Stephen Pociask

Wisconsin lawmakers are considering legislation to encourage cable TV competition, lower prices and increase consumer choice, investment and jobs. However, local governments want to protect the monopoly at your expense.

from: USA Today

Sunday begins new era for cable subscribers

By David Lieberman, USA TODAY

NEW YORK — The summer's just started, yet cable operators are already drenched in sweat.

They are bracing for a deadline they staved off for more than a decade — one that could bring a wave of new TV viewing options for many of the 65.6 million homes connected to cable.

A Federal Communications Commission order taking effect on Sunday requires all major cable operators to give up the conventional cable boxes they so profitably lease to subscribers. These proprietary boxes contain technology for functions such as video-on-demand and perhaps a digital video recorder — and also house the operator's decoder that unscrambles digital, premium and HDTV channels.