FTC Wants Authority to Address Deceptive Practices in Telecom Industry: In a Senate Commerce Committee subcommittee hearing, FTC Chairwoman Deborah Platt Majoras asked that the FTC be given greater power to police unfair and deceptive practices in the telecommunications industry. Now, the FCC maintains regulatory responsibility for acts by common carriers. Legislation would be required to grant the FTC such oversight.
Farm Bill May Contain Telecom Funds: The Senate Agriculture Committee is marking up a five year farm bill that could contain some benefits for rural broadband providers. The discussion draft currently circulating contains a provision authorizing $25 million to the Agriculture Department for a broadband loan program. The bill also would create a national center focused on extending broadband to rural areas. The center would work with existing local development offices and would be required to provide annual updates on the broadband loan program's effectiveness.
More Money for Rural Broadband Studies Proposed: Rep. Zack Space (D-Ohio) proposed a bill (HR-3627) allocating $40 million in grants to encourage broadband deployment. The money would be used to fund studies to determine areas of a state lacking broadband and identify potential providers. The money would not, however, be available to subsidize providers.
Bush Administration in Favor of Permanent Internet Access Tax Moratorium: The Bush Administration again made clear its support for making the Internet tax moratorium permanent. S-1453 was in the process of being marked up while amendments circulated and competed for votes. The bill was pulled on the 27th when it appeared that Republicans had enough votes to make the ban permanent. A middle ground may be the best either side of the debate can hope for resulting in a temporary extension. Senator Kerry (D-Mass.) has proposed a six year ban, which would be the longest ban ever approved by Congress.
House Telecom Subcommittee Hearing: The House Telecom Subcommittee Hearing will have a hearing on Tuesday, October 2nd. Among topics to be discussed are: the special access market; municipal service providers; and copper lop retirement.
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