The FCC International Bureau is seeking comment on removing Cuba from the exclusion list for international Section 214 authorizations in response to a State Department request, said a public notice issued Tuesday. “The Exclusion List identifies particular facilities and/or countries that are not included in a global facilities-based Section 214 application, and, therefore, require a separate international Section 214 authorization.” Cuba is the only country currently remaining on the exclusion list, the PN said. “If Cuba is removed from the Exclusion List, U.S. international carriers would no longer be required to request specific authority to provide facilities-based telecommunications services from the United States to Cuba.” Comments on the proposal are due Dec. 4, replies Dec. 9.
The Mobile 360-Europe conference scheduled for Dec. 3 in Brussels was postponed due to terrorism-related security concerns, GSMA said in a news release Tuesday. It didn't set a new date but said it would be in 2016. "Whilst there have been no direct threats to the event, the restrictions on travel would make it extremely difficult for attendees, speakers and members to travel to and within Brussels," GSMA said in a statement.
Synertone will use Gilat Satellite Networks baseband equipment for fixed and mobility applications on its high throughput satellite network that will offer coverage throughout China, Gilat said in a news release Monday. Synertone has placed a $12 million order with Gilat for its SkyEdge II-c platform with X-Architecture, Gilat said, saying the Synertone network is estimated to go live within six to 12 months.
Q3 tablet shipments in Western European markets fell 1 percent from the same 2014 quarter, to 8.7 million units, IDC said Thursday. IDC views the small decline as “a clear signal of stabilization” in the tablets market after previous quarters of more significant declines, the research firm said. “In the context of struggling sales of consumer slate tablets and in view of the fast-rising demand for devices with a detachable keyboard observed over the past few quarters, several industry players have adjusted their product portfolios to include the detachable form factor," IDC said. "The home segment in particular benefitted from this supply boost as most of the new products introduced this quarter targeted consumers to attract back to school demand but also in preparation for the holiday season."
Cisco and Motorola Solutions see FCC equipment authorization rule changes as positive overall, but identified some concerns, including challenges with implementation and mutual recognition agreements (MRAs). "Generally, the changes to the FCC's [equipment authorization] processes have been helpful," said Chuck Powers, Motorola Solutions director-engineering and technology policy, during an FCBA CLE Thursday. "Leveraging the [telecom certification bodies] for all FCC certifications speeds up the process for manufacturers," which is beneficial for everybody, he said. But Powers said Motorola has had to take into account that the FCC's changes have essentially made MRAs a de facto requirement for testing of devices developed outside the U.S., at least for the foreseeable future. MRAs can make trade easier, but they aren't as ubiquitous globally as they should be, said Powers: "There are certain countries that [MRAs] are missing from that the passing of this [FCC] order has created a problem for us." David Case, Cisco technical regulatory leader, said the rule changes on authorization have been "very positive overall," and allow a more streamlined manufacturing process -- something he said the company looks for. Case said the rules do tend to put manufacturers "behind the eight ball" because of the costs it takes to update certain labs for authorization. Case also said MRAs have essentially leveled the playing field against competition overseas. Tim Brightbill, a Wiley Rein trade lawyer, said FCC rules eventually will have to pass muster with trade rules set forth in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is awaiting congressional review.
Intersat and SES signed a multiyear contract to expand Intersat’s internet service offerings to eastern Africa, SES said in a news release Wednesday. ISP Intersat uses Ku-band capacity on SES' NSS-12 satellite to serve more than 200 very small aperture terminals, with that number more than doubling by 2016 under the deal, the companies said.
China Railway Rolling Stock will use Gilat Satellite Networks' satellite-based broadband for connectivity to its high-speed trains, the Israel-based Gilat said in a news release Thursday. Along with Internet access for passengers, the broadband connectivity will let China Railway monitor and perform maintenance services on its trains via satellite, Gilat said.
The FCC is focused on encouraging more broadband competition, said Gigi Sohn, counselor to Chairman Tom Wheeler. In a speech Tuesday at a European Competitive Telecommunications Association event in Brussels, Sohn said competition is the most effective way to achieve the agency’s goals of promoting communications innovation and investment while upholding public interest values as technology changes networks. She said the benefits of competition are well known in the long distance, wireless, consumer device and information services markets. “However, in the broadband market, more work needs to be done for consumers and industry alike to realize the full range of benefits that competition can provide,” she said. Sohn highlighted FCC decisions on the IP technology transition, municipal broadband, net neutrality, USF support and broadband speeds, and its concerns that helped thwart Comcast's takeover of Time Warner Cable. She also outlined the commission’s efforts to stage a “historic incentive auction,” carry out further USF reforms to help rural and low-income consumers, and ensure “reasonable” rates, terms and conditions for special-access services in the business data market. Sohn said she recognized that the FCC values of competition, universal access, consumer protection and public safety were basically shared by the EU in its digital single-market strategy. "While our commercial markets differ and may, at times, require different policy solutions, these common values unite us," she said. Sohn said mobile networks now reach about 95 percent of the world's population, with about half having access to mobile Internet service. She noted the international Global Connect effort of governments and private parties to connect another 1.5 billion people by 2020. There are about 15 billion Internet-connected devices, she said, along with projections that number could grow to about 50 billion in five years. "McKinsey estimates that the emerging Internet of Things could generate up to $11 trillion in economic value over the next decade," said Sohn.
Saxon Glass Technologies asked the International Trade Commission to issue a limited exclusion order banning imports of an Apple smart watch due to trademark infringement. Saxon’s Tariff Act Section 337 complaint said the Apple Watch Sport’s Ion-X strengthened glass infringes and dilutes Saxon’s own Ionex mark. Saxon seeks a limited exclusion order and cease and desist order banning importation and sale of infringing Apple smart watches. The ITC now seeks comment by Nov. 25 on public interest issues raised by the complaint, the agency said in a notice in Tuesday's Federal Register. Apple didn't comment Wednesday.
Ericsson hasn't discussed the possibility of merging with or being acquired by Cisco, Ericsson said in a news release Monday. It said it's aware of rumors suggesting Cisco is interested in acquiring the company, which emerged after they announced a collaborative partnership that included licensing agreements for their patent portfolios (see 1511090044). "The talks leading up to the partnership have been ongoing for a year and there have not been any discussions whatsoever on a merger or an acquisition," Ericsson CEO Hans Vestberg said in a statement.