Finger pointing over the slowed DTV transition continued in comments filed Mon. with the FCC on 2 DTV proceedings (CD April 22 p3): the biennial review and on whether to impose public interest obligations. Most of the comments were repeats: Cable representatives said more consumer devices were needed, the consumer electronics industry said there wasn’t enough content and promotion and broadcasters said there must be cable must-carry for DTV.

LAS VEGAS -- If there was one thing that was made perfectly clear at the MSTV conference during the NAB convention here Mon., it’s that broadcasters are no friends of consumer electronics (CE) manufacturers and cable operators, any agreements between the respective industries not withstanding. The broadcasters invited several representatives of those industries to the conference, but let them know in no uncertain terms that they were in enemy territory on DTV tuners and must-carry.

The FCC reduced a $17,000 fine on Cornbelt Bcstg. Co., Clinton, Ill., to $1,000. The company, which owns WHOW(AM) and WHOW(AM), originally was found liable for failing to have an operational Emergency Alert System decoder, failing to post the antenna structure registration number and not properly enclosing its antenna structure. The FCC said it reduced the fine because Cornbelt was in financial trouble and didn’t have the ability to pay. In another case, the FCC reduced a $10,000 fine on Richard Munoz of Naples, Fla., to $2,000. It said Munoz had been running an illegal radio station out of the Tree of Life Church in Naples. The agency said it reduced the fine based on his inability to pay.

Public safety agencies, transportation officials and technology developers presented divergent views to the FCC this week on who should have access to 5.9 GHz for short- range wireless links to transmit data between vehicles and intelligent transport systems. The Dept. of Transportation urged allowing some commercial applications in the band to drive technology applications on which public safety uses could “piggyback.” But the Public Safety Wireless Network (PSWN) run jointly by the Departments. of Treasury and Justice argued for restricting access to “traditional” emergency responders so as to not congest the band. Commenters urged the FCC to mandate an industry standard for interoperability in the band.

Legislation introduced Thurs. in the Senate would prevent the FCC from holding auctions for Multichannel Video Distribution & Data Service (MVDDS). The proposed Emergency Communications & Competition Act (ECCA) (S-564), introduced by Sen. Landrieu (D-La.), is designed to speed deployment of MVDDS, which she said would reduce cable rates and create more broadband access. Northpoint probably would be the biggest benefactor of such legislation, sources said.

FCC Comr. Martin said Mon. Commission must provide “greater clarity” to Enhanced 911 rules, calling order issued in response to request by Richardson, Tex., on what constituted valid public safety request for E-911 good start. At National Emergency Number Assn. (NENA) conference in Washington, Martin outlined role of states, including their need to spend E-911 funds on systems for which they were intended. He also said LECs weren’t explicitly covered in wireless E-911 rules, although FCC had made clear they have to facilitate its rollout. “If the LECs do not live up to their obligations, the Commission will pursue more formal action,” he said.

As expected, FCC adopted memorandum opinion and order Thurs. that largely left intact existing ultra-wideband (UWB) technical rules, turning down petitions for reconsideration that sought more-stringent limits. In response to petitions seeking relatively minor modifications, agency’s changes included modifying rules to facilitate operation of through- wall imaging systems by rescue personnel in emergency situations. “Today’s decision should be seen as a reaffirmation that UWB is here to stay,” Comr. Copps said.

FCC Fines: (1) Ho'ona'auao Community TV $4,000 for failure of KWBN-TV Honolulu to retransmit Emergency Alert System (EAS) monthly test. (2) AAT Communications $10,000 for failing to exhibit prescribed obstruction lighting on its antenna structure in Ellis, Neb. (3) Small Town Radio $15,000 for failing to maintain operational EAS equipment and failure to enclose station’s antenna tower within effective locked fence involving WDGR-AM in Dahlonega, Ga. (4) Marcel Charles, a.k.a. Mariel Charles, a.k.a. Joseph Charles $10,000 for operating unlicensed radio station in Immokalee, Fla.

FCC fines: (1) International Car Service $10,000 for operating unlicensed radio transmitters in Brooklyn, N.Y. (2) Ian Walker $10,000 for operating radio station without authorization in Jacksonville. (3) Josue Alusma $10,000 for operating radio station without authorization in Naples, Fla. (4) Coffee County Bcstg. $7,000 for failing to maintain presence at its main studio in Tenn. during normal business hours. (5) J.L. Brewer Bcstg. of Cleveland $3,000 for failing to register antenna structure in Dayton, Tenn. (6) AGM-Nevada LLC $9,600 for operating studio-to-transmitter links from unauthorized location in Albuquerque and operating KYLZ-FM in excess of authorized transmitter power output. (7) MariTEL Mississippi River Inc.) $3,200 for failing to suspend transmissions of transmitter operating under call sign WPOJ535 in Pointe a la Hache, La., after detecting transmitter malfunction. (8) WHYZ Radio $8,000 for failure of its WCSZ-AM in San Souci, S.C., to have operational Emergency Alert System equipment.

FCC fines: FCC fined Mediacom $8,000 for failure to maintain operational Emergency Alert System (EAS) equipment in Jefferson City, Mo., cable system… FCC fined N. American Bcstg. $4,000 for failing to reduce transmitter output power in accordance with authorization for KFNX-AM in Cave Creek, Ariz… FCC fined Tralyn Bcstg. $7,000 for failing to conduct weekly tests of Emergency Alert System (EAS) and failing to maintain all required items in public inspection file of WIGG-AM in Wiggins, Miss.