RoW International Short Takes

Commerce Department proposes agency combinationThe secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Don Evans, has asked Congress to pass a bill that would allow for the combination of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with the Technology Administration and the electronic commerce functions of the International Trade Administration. Evans says this would allow for the better coordination of spectrum and telecom policies in general. "This administration understands that our global marketplace has changed and that telecom and technology operate together, not separately. We need to adjust our thinking and adjust our structure to keep pace with the world, our economy and innovation," he said in a statement. EU rules favourably on 3G network sharingThe European Commission (EU) has ruled favourably on 3G network sharing between T-Mobile and O2 in Germany, confirming that site sharing in itself does not raise concerns over competition. The EU’s investigation also proved that national roaming agreements between licensed wireless carriers benefits consumers by allowing operators to provide better service and to more quickly implement service. This ruling, rendered earlier this month, mirrors an earlier EU decision in relation to an agreement between the companies for operations in the United Kingdom. E911 bill approved by U.S. Senate committeeThe United States Senate Commerce Committee has approved a bill that would prevent states from diverting funds earmarked for enhanced wireless 911 services. The bill was originally sponsored by Senate E911 Caucus members Sen. Conrad Burns (Rep.) and Sen. Hillary Clinton (Dem.). The bill, which still awaits full Senate debate, indicates that a National Telecommunications and Information Administration task force will facilitate coordination between federal, state and local communications systems. It also designates US$500 million per year for planning, infrastructure improvement and equipment purchases. Other provisions also call for a biennial review of E911 fees with states certifying they are not diverting funds and for the Federal Communications Commission to report to Congress any states diverting funds. The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) praised the bill. "States have had their hand in the E911 cookie jar, swiping millions of dollars paid by wireless consumers. The bill should help get the states on a diet of fiscal responsibility and an exercise program of E911 implementation," said CTIA senior VP of government affairs Steve Berry. CTIA still struggles with number portabilityThe Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) continues to struggle with guidelines from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over wireless number portability. And the issue continues to take a pressing importance with the November deadline looming. The CTIA had asked for assistance on several issues, but it wasn’t satisfied with the FCC’s response. CTIA president and CEO Thomas Wheeler said FCC wireless bureau chief John Muleta was vague on number porting intervals, conversion deadlines, and wireline to wireless porting rules. "Consumers will discover a portability nightmare as the direct result of the commission’s failure to resolve implementation issues in a timely manner. Even Labor Day may be too late to implement LNP on time. We plead with you to provide the needed guidance no later than Labor Day," Wheeler wrote in a letter to the commission. Globalstar introduces new pricing planGlobalstar LP has unveiled a new pricing plan for seasonal users in the U.S., called the Flexline 750. It provides customers with 750 minutes of calling time per month for US$199.99, and unlike most wireless plans, Flexline 750 allows customers to suspend service for up to six months, after the first four months of service.

RoW International Short Takes

News | July 22, 2003

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