Sen. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) will re-introduce broadband tax credit bill designed to expand deployment in rural areas, spokeswoman told us. Bill will be similar to S-88, which had 65 co-sponsors last year but wasn’t passed out of Finance Committee. It’s likely to be offered at end of Jan., spokeswoman said. Time ran out in Senate in last session before appropriate legislative vehicle could be found to attach bill as rider, said Grant Seifert, Telecom Industry Assn. vp-govt. relations.
As state legislatures opened their 2003 sessions, sampling of new bills showed lawmakers focusing on state regulatory commissions along with telemarketing. Major regulatory measures included Minn. bill to totally deregulate broadband and Ind. bill giving regulators needed power to enforce their rules. Telemarketing front saw more new bills for no-call lists and other restrictions on phone sellers, including Ind. bill that took aim at telemarketing campaigns by political candidates.
Amber Alert would be enhanced under legislation introduced Tues. by Senate Democratic leadership, supporters said. Proposed Justice Enhancement & Domestic Security Act (S-22) includes provisions designed to facilitate emergency broadcasting system used to locate missing children. NAB supported legislation introduced at end of last session that would have provided funding to expand Amber Alert. Identity theft and child pornography also are targeted in legislation. Bill is designed to protect against misuse of Social Security numbers and mitigate harm to individuals victimized by ID theft. It also would provide new prosecutorial and investigative tools for federal, state and local authorities in stopping child pornography. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children would receive additional funding. Democratic leadership also introduced proposed Equal Rights & Equal Dignity for Americans Act (S-16), which would renew privacy consent requirements instituted during Clinton Administration and put limits on how medical information could be used in marketing. Bill also would prevent military or civilian employees of Defense Dept. from gathering information on U.S. citizens while in the U.S. Another bill, proposed Comprehensive Homeland Security Act (S-6), addresses several aspects of security, but doesn’t specifically mention cybersecurity or telecom infrastructure. Senate Minority Leader Daschle (D-S.D.) announced formation of leadership executive committee that included Sens. Carper (D-Del.), Murray (D-Wash.), Nelson (D-Neb.) and Schumer (D-N.Y.). Sen. Clinton (D-N.Y.) was named chmn. of Democratic Steering & Coordination Committee.
FCC opened inquiry Wed. into making additional spectrum available for unlicensed devices, including TV broadcast spectrum. Office of Engineering & Technology Chief Edmond Thomas cited Wi-Fi as example of kinds of technology that used cognitive, frequency-agile radios to share such spectrum with incumbents. FCC Chmn. Powell stressed item would balance how to use existing spectrum efficiently while not interfering with incumbents. Comr. Martin voiced concerns about unlicensed applications in current broadcast spectrum, particularly because inquiry comes during DTV transition.
White House Cybersecurity czar Richard Clarke called Thurs. for “national discussion” on whether U.S. should embrace Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) as next-generation Internet protocol, move that would follow path already chosen by Japan and Europe. U.S. govt. doesn’t have position on IPv6, but Clarke ticked off several cybersecurity and economic factors that he said would support move to that protocol.
House will continue debate today (Thurs.) on compromise bill (HR-5710) to create Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS), including combined Directorate for Information Analysis & Infrastructure Protection (IA-IP). DHS would include undersecy. responsible for comprehensive national plan for protecting key national resources such as information technology and telecom systems, “including satellites, electronic financial and property record storage and transmission systems, emergency preparedness communications systems.”
FCC is proposing to fine KTMN(FM) Cloudcroft, N.M., total of $28,000, primarily for violating RF radiation exposure limits, marking first time Commission has fined station under exposure rules. FCC said radiation exceeded limits by more than 300%. Fine includes $8,000 for lack of emergency alert equipment, $7,000 for failing to have main studio, $3,000 for lack of adequate transmission system control.
Media Security & Reliability Council (MSRC) established by FCC after 9/11 to ensure nation would be able to get news and information in crisis said Wed. it had established working groups to examine various aspects of its mission and expected to issue final recommendations in either fall or winter 2003. Several members of MSRC, including McHenry Tichenor of Hispanic Bcstg. and Ann Arnold of Texas Assn. of Bcstrs. expressed impatience with pace of movement, specifically in dealing with issues facing nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS).
FCC fined Callais Cablevision of Grand Isle, La., $133,000 for repeated violations of rules relating to public safety. Violations involve rules to protect aeronautical safety communications from interference caused by leakage from cable systems and those that require cable systems to install emergency alert system equipment, agency said. Action followed FAA complaint of interference to operation of its Remote Communication Air Ground facility in Grand Isle and subsequent investigation by FCC, it said.
With Sen. McCain (R-Ariz.) poised to take reins of Senate Commerce Committee, industry observers are expecting deregulatory agenda. Leadership change also appears to give FCC Chmn. Powell powerful ally on Capitol Hill. Broadcasters may have biggest interest in McCain’s agenda, especially as some observers believe he will use position to push for free air time for political candidates, 2nd phase of his campaign finance reform agenda. Media ownership also will be prominent and digital TV issues probably will receive more attention, we're told.