Work Boxers

November 29th, 2007

Telecom Credo - Throw Money At It!

EFF Wins Fast-Track Release of Telecom Lobbying Records

Judge Cancels Friday Hearing, Orders Government to Comply by December 10

“San Francisco - Late Tuesday, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) won the speedy release of telecom lobbying records from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

The agency was ordered to comply with a new December 10 deadline — in time for the documents to play a role in the congressional debate over granting amnesty for telecommunications companies taking part in illegal electronic surveillance. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston vacates a hearing on the matter previously scheduled for Friday.”

In an almost identical “parallel universe” this is how big corporate lobbying money works - from The New York Times;

F.C.C. Chief Seeks Votes to Tighten Cable Rules

“WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 — The head of the Federal Communications Commission is struggling to find enough support from a majority of the agency’s commissioners to regulate cable television companies more tightly.

The five-member commission is set to vote on Tuesday on a report, proposed by Kevin J. Martin, the agency’s chairman, that would give the commission expanded powers over the cable industry after making a formal finding that it had grown too big.

After news reports this month that Mr. Martin supported the finding — along with the commission’s two Democrats — the cable industry heavily lobbied the commission and allies in Congress to kill the proposal. Those efforts may be paying off.”

Doesn’t everybody paying attention to this know beyond any doubt that the telcos’ money can buy enough influence in all the “right” places (allies in Congress?) to insure their “victory.” And isn’t it about time also that this country, this nation of free people, exert their influence over this nature of corrupt greed? (I.E. - that ally could be your Congressman! Do something about it!)

By mark -- 0 comments

November 11th, 2007

Good News!

Damn good news!

F.C.C. Planning Rules to Open Cable Market

“The Federal Communications Commission is preparing to impose significant new regulations to open the cable television market to independent programmers and rival video services after determining that cable companies have become too dominant in the industry, senior commission officials said.

The finding, under a law that gives the commission expanded powers over the cable television industry if it becomes too big, is expected to be announced this month. It is a major departure for the agency and the industry, which was deregulated by an act of Congress in 1996.”

Oh, and Mr Cleland, take note of a previous article and decision by Mr. Martin;

F.C.C. Set to End Sole Cable Deals for Apartments

“Exclusive contracts have been one of the most significant barriers to competition,” Kevin J. Martin, chairman of the commission, said in an interview. Cable prices have risen “about 93 percent in the last 10 years,” he said. “This is a way to introduce additional competition, which will result in lower prices and greater innovation.”

Am I reading this correctly? There appears to be a problem with competition? No, No, No! Tell Kevin he’s wrong Scott!

By mark -- 0 comments