Highlights: 2006 Coverage of
Telecom Reform

January 4, 2007

Attempt made last year to take over franchises
The High Point Enterprise
Triad, NC

DAVID NIVENS
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
TRIAD – Congress attempted to take over local telecom­munications franchises last year, but no legislation was approved.The leading bill was COPE (Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhance­ment Act). It also would have cut back the obligation of cable TV companies to devote channels to public access.The Federal Communications Commission approved rules last month cutting ap­proval times for new state and local telecommunications franchises to 90 days.

 

Oct 23, 2006

Cable, Phone, Net Companies Have Spent $110 Million This Year To Influence Telecom Reform. Was It Worth It?

Multichannel News

By Ted Hearn

On a cold evening in February, cable and telecommunications lobbyists packed the second floor of restaurant Bistro Bis on Capitol Hill to salute Mitch Rose’s decision to leave an executive lobbying post at The Walt Disney Co. and go into business for himself. More...

October 19, 2006

U-Verse Neighborhoods Grumble Over Lawn Boxes

BroadbandReports.com

When Fios was first getting deployed, there were frequent complaints about Verizon contractors digging up azaleas and cutting gas lines - a small price to pay for those eager to get faster broadband speeds. There's not much sympathy from folks around here - particularly those still out of reach of DSL or cable.

With AT&T's "Project Lightspeed", the complaints have centered around the large five foot tall boxes (each serving 300-400 customers) AT&T installs on right-of-way easements. The Columbus Dispatch explores how some Ohio residents are annoyed with their new lawn ornaments. AT&T is exploring ways to disguise the boxes to help placate locals. More...

Oct 01, 2006

You can hear me now

American City & County

By Meredith Preston

As Congress considers reforming the nation's telecommunications laws, local governments are preparing for the battle. The addition of several tax-related provisions to a reform bill that is being considered by the Senate has local officials concerned about the future of billions of dollars they collect annually from taxes and fees paid by telecom companies, says Jeff Arnold, deputy legislative director for the Washington-based National Association of Counties (NACo). More...