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Note: Another case of the FCC and telecom industry withholding information that might otherwise lead to a better informed and transparent public policy.

from: Center for Public Integrity

Center's Suit To Get Broadband Data Draws Industry Interest, Comment
AT&T, Verizon Intervene in Center's Suit Against FCC

from: Broadcasting and Cable

Musical Chairs: Dems Take Over
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/15/2007

Last week was the official changing of the guard in the House. Elected Democrats have taken over the committee and subcommittee chairs that will set the agendas for communications-policy—related hearings and legislation. Senate committee assignments were handed out not long after the elections, but a pro forma election is scheduled. A list of key players in both houses is in order.

Note: Telcos and Cable Companies are also fighting municipal efforts at offering local residents additional competition for data/phone/cable services.

from: Wilson Daily News

Fiberoptics causes upset

By Matthew Shaw Daily Times Staff Writer

Wilson officials clashed Thursday night with a Time Warner Cable representative over the city's plans for a fiberoptic network.

from: STL Today

Cable, telephone companies reach deal on video franchise bill

By Jerri Stroud
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/20/2007

The telephone and cable industries in Missouri have reached a compromise that could ease passage of a bill allowing statewide franchises for pay-television service.

Note: Should the FCC (or Congress) have it's way with removing local control of video franchising - this may become the most efficient way for consumers to lodge complaints. The Telcos should take heed and be prepared to duck.

Comcast Network Suffers Gunshot Damage; 7,500 Customers Lose Service

About 7,500 Comcast customers in Palm Beach, Fla., went without cable service earlier this month after technicians discovered gunshot damage to the company’s fiber-optic main service line. The entire town’s cable service had to be shut down temporarily to fix the problem.

Cable company excuses for price increases. Cable prices have incresed nearly 100% since Congress deregulated cable pricing in 1998. Since the cable companies, like the Telcos, also seek greater de-regulation, they appear hard pressed to provide rational explanations. But it's heartwarming that Comcast reps speak with such a sense of unity.

from: Multichannel News

frm: Worchester Telegram

Friday, December 22, 2006
Community voices

Cutting public access channel would be unwise

As Worcester nears the end of the current cable television contract with Charter Communications, speculation that the public-access channel could take a major budget hit is troubling, indeed.

from: Multichannel News

Q/A with Nick Miller, Miller & Van Eaton

Nick Miller is an expert in the law and policy governing cable television and telephone regulation, and in the legislative aspects of communications law. He represents local governments, airports, and national local government associations in cable television and telecommunications matters. He has worked extensively with international multilateral agencies engaged in telecommunications policy advice to developing countries. Miller talked to Focus on Customer Care about franchising. An edited transcript follows:

from: Multichannel News

Milwaukee Continues to Talk to AT&T But Moves Ahead With Lawsuit

While the city of Milwaukee remains staunchly behind its decision to sue AT&T over the telco’s refusal to seek a local cable franchise for its U-Verse service, city officials are continuing talks to settle the issue.

from: Catholic News Service

Two FCC commissioners outline principles for an improved media system

By Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (CNS) -- Media concentration is something that should be stopped, Federal Communications Commissioner Michael Copps told a Jan. 13 audience at the National Conference for Media Reform in Memphis.