Save Access

Note: If the Telcos continue to whine about the cost of rolling out their video delivery service - and they feel the need exact a massive public service giveback in the form of fewer PEG services, elimination of net neutrality and the elimination of local control over right of way - then maybe their business model is terribly wrong. If this is the public cost necessary for phone company competition in cable TV - it's not worth it.

from: Public Knowledge

ACTION ALERT: Broadcast Flag Hidden in Telecom Bill
by Alex Curtis on June 20, 2006

UPDATE: Senator Sununu will be offering an amendment to strike the broadcast and radio flag. But it won't happen without your help. Click here to find out more.

If you’re saying, “Broadcast Flag? I thought we defeated that?” You’re right! But we’ll have to do it again. But we’ll have to do it now, as the bill is being marked up THIS THURSDAY…

from: National Journal
Technology Daily

Inouye Leading Charge To Amend Telecom Bill

By David Hatch

(Wednesday, June 21) When the Senate Commerce Committee begins debating telecommunications overhaul legislation Thursday afternoon, Commerce ranking member Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, will seek to substantially revise a measure that its author, Commerce Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, is touting as bipartisan.

from: Silicon Valley

June 19, 2006

AT&T: Let your middle finger do the talking

“The commission vote demonstrates a recognition that the merger of SBC and AT&T will enhance competition, help bring new technologies to market faster, and provide real benefits to consumers and businesses. We commend the commission, under the leadership of Chairman Martin, for recognizing the reality of today’s communications marketplace and for fostering an environment where there will be greater choice in communications services and providers.”

Astroturfs in Bloom
by saveaccess.org

The astroturfs are suddenly sprouting plastic blooms again, and it can only mean one thing - Congress is about to vote on something. That 'something' is the Senate Commerce Committee 'mark-up' of S.2686 tomorrow (6/22). A google search for the Bill's name "Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006" turns up multiples of one article released by TV4US through the corporate service 'PR Newswire':

from: New Standard News

Congress Looks to Offer Big Telecoms ‘Prize’
Media activists say Net access, local TV control at stake

by Megan Tady

New legislation that fails to enshrine principles of “network neutrality” also federalizes now-local control of TV providers and lets broadband companies leave underprivileged communities behind.

SAVEACCESS ACTION ALERT!
TAKE ACTION BEFORE THURSDAY!

Dear saveaccess supporter,

This is a very important week for action and we're asking you for three favors:

1) Send our letter to your senators to say "Fix S.2686 or vote NO!"
Go to http://saveaccess.org/takeaction

2) Send our letter to your Congressional Reps that voted for COPE and "Ask them WHY?"

from: MultiChannel News

Louisiana Passes Franchise-Reform Bill

By Linda Haugsted 6/20/2006 5:31:00 PM

A franchise-reform bill that will allow incumbent cable operators to immediately opt into state franchises has been approved by the Louisiana State Legislature.

The bill passed Monday, the last day of the state's legislative session. It must now be signed by Gov. Kathleen Blanco in order to become effective.

from: AEC Newsroom

Hillary, for Net Neutrality, Fires Up the Right

By Ted Hearn, STAFF

(Multichannel News) _ Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), the prohibitive favorite to capture the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, has agreed to support network-neutrality legislation introduced Friday in the Senate, triggering a strong response from a leading conservative group.

from: National Journal, Congress Daily

Changes In Latest Senate Draft Bill Affect 'Net Neutrality,' Anti-Piracy

By Drew Clark

(Monday, June 19) Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, made hundreds of changes to his third and latest draft of telecommunications legislation, aides said.