The FCC proposed to change how the cellular service is licensed -- from a site-based to a geographically based regime. The spectrum covered, in the 800 MHz band, was the first used for cellphones. The FCC also proposed eliminating data filing requirements in seven areas. The proposed rules approved by commissioners at Wednesday’s meeting would put cellular licensees on the same footing as other bands, including PCS, AWS and the 700 MHz band. CTIA sought the rule changes in an October 2008 petition. The notice and an accompanying order were not controversial and didn’t spark much discussion on the eighth floor prior the vote, agency officials said.
The International Trade Administration has made a preliminary affirmative antidumping determination that large power transformers from Korea are being, or are likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value (A-580-867). The ITA found preliminary AD rates of 21.79% to 38.07%, which are officially effective as of February 16, 2012. U.S. Customs is expected to implement these AD cash deposit/bond requirements soon.
Gig.U, the University Community Next Generation Innovation Project, said it completed its preliminary review of the responses to its Request for Information. The project said the RFI responses identify multiple paths for accelerating the deployment of next-generation networks and services for its 37 university community members across the U.S. Twenty-four of the 57 responses came from network operators and 14 came from infrastructure manufacturers. Respondents included major ISPs and smaller players and potential new entrants, Gig.U said. Several communities have already begun multi-vendor negotiations to clarify and improve the potential for next-generation networks in their communities. Members of the Gig.U consortium will meet in March to discuss the most promising approaches. Gig.U was formed 2011 to improve deployment of ultra high-speed networks to U.S. university campuses and the surrounding communities.
The International Trade Commission has adopted a plan for the retrospective review, every two years, of certain existing ITC regulations pursuant to Executive Order 135791. ITC has also preliminarily identified for its first review regulations governing AD/CV injury investigations, AGOA “abundant supply” investigations (the underlying law for which has been repealed), and section 337 IPR infringement investigations, among others.
Gig.U, the University Community Next Generation Innovation Project, said it completed its preliminary review of the responses to its Request for Information. The project said the RFI responses identify multiple paths for accelerating the deployment of next-generation networks and services for its 37 university community members across the U.S. Twenty-four of the 57 responses came from network operators and 14 came from infrastructure manufacturers. Respondents included major ISPs and smaller players and potential new entrants, Gig.U said. Several communities have already begun multi-vendor negotiations to clarify and improve the potential for next-generation networks in their communities. Members of the Gig.U consortium will meet in March to discuss the most promising approaches. Gig.U was formed 2011 to improve deployment of ultra high-speed networks to U.S. university campuses and the surrounding communities.
On February 10, 2012, the International Trade Administration announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the antidumping duty investigation of imports of large power transformers from Korea. According to the ITA's fact sheet, the mandatory respondents Hyosung Corporation and Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. received preliminary dumping margins of 38.07% and 21.79%, respectively. All other Korean producers/exporters received a preliminary dumping margin of 29.93%. As a result of the preliminary determination, the ITA will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect a cash deposit or bond based on these preliminary rates.
The International Trade Administration has issued a final rule and "final modification for reviews" to adopt a monthly average-to-average comparison methodology and eliminate “zeroing” in antidumping duty administrative reviews, new shipper reviews, sunset reviews and expedited reviews that use this methodology. Alternative methodologies may still be utilized by ITA in exceptional circumstances. This change will bring ITA's review methodology into conformity with World Trade Organization rulings. The ITA has already eliminated "zeroing" in AD investigations that use an average-to-average methodology to be WTO consistent.
Verizon and Verizon Wireless said the FCC can better address administration deregulatory goals by soliciting “meaningful stakeholder input” supporting “deregulatory action.” Verizon commented on the FCC’s “Preliminary Plan for Retrospective Analysis of Existing Rules,” a November report by the Office of General Counsel. Verizon said the report shows that eliminating regulations takes a long time, especially without industry input (http://xrl.us/bmri3k). “The Commission often takes years to implement proposals to eliminate or modify rules,” the filing said. “The benefits of deregulation are diluted when the Commission does not act promptly, as has been the case with many of the pending initiatives listed in the Preliminary Plan.” For example, changes to the FCC’s Part 17 rules “were first recommended by industry as early as the 2000 Biennial Review and by Commission staff in the 2004 Biennial Review” and ISP changes “were the subject of a rulemaking petition Verizon and other carriers filed back in 2006.” Both were among the deregulatory changes under the current administration described in the FCC report. Verizon listed several wireline and wireless regulations it believes should be eliminated. “These burdensome regulations should be the proverbial ‘low hanging fruit’ of a revised plan that will underscore the Commission’s commitment to reducing or eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens,” the carrier said.
The Government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices for Feb 9-10, 2012 (note that some may also be given separate headlines)
The International Trade Administration is publishing notices in the February 10, 2012 Federal Register on the following AD/CV proceedings (any notices that announce changes to AD/CV duty rates, the scope, affected firms, or effective dates will be detailed in another ITT article):