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Cramming: Unauthorized, Misleading or Deceptive Charges Placed on Consumers Telephone Bills
Federal Communications Commission
Tips from the Federal Communications Commission for consumers on how to protect themselves against unauthorized, misleading or deceptive charges placed on consumers' telephone bills.
Federal Communications Commission Reported Cases, 1928-2002
Federal Communications Commission
Alphabetical citation list of cases involving the Federal Communications Commission from 1928-2002.
Advertising, Marketing And Promotions 2004 Year In Review: Don't Cross The Line In 2005
Davis & Gilbert LLP
By all accounts, 2004 was a star-studded year in the world of advertising, marketing and promotions. Janet Jackson, Steve Garvey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eliot Spitzer and a bevy of milk mustache wearing celebrities made a significant impact on the industry. While it remains unclear what the stars hold for 2005, here we re-cap some of the major moments of 2004 and consult the astrological charts in an attempt to predict what's in store for 2005.
Advertising, Marketing And Promotions 2004 Year In Review: Don't Cross The Line In 2005
Joseph J. Lewczak and Michael S. Abitbol 1 of Davis & Gilbert LLP
By all accounts, 2004 was a star-studded year in the world of advertising, marketing and promotions. Janet Jackson, Steve Garvey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eliot Spitzer and a bevy of milk mustache wearing celebrities made a significant impact on the industry. While it remains unclear what the stars hold for 2005, here we re-cap some of the major moments of 2004 and consult the astrological charts in an attempt to predict what's in store for 2005.
Number Portability Developing Into a Telemarketing Quagmire
Joseph J. Lewczak and Ivana Starr of Davis & Gilbert LLP
On November 24, 2003 the Federal Communication Commission's number portability rule went into effect in the largest 100 metropolitan statistical areas. The remaining areas will have until May 24, 2004 to comply. In addition to allowing consumers the ability to switch their wireless carrier without losing their current wireless number, local number portability also requires landline carriers to allow consumers to transfer their numbers to wireless carriers. The end result is that a telephone number that was previously a landline number, may now in fact belong to a wireless number.
FCC License Auctions
Federal Trade Commission
Brochure from the Federal Trade Commission which describes what consumers need to know when considering investing in a license for a wireless telecommunications service.
FCC Rule Revisions May Foretell Political Earthquake
Robert W Doyle,Kelly Cameron and Robert L. Galbreath of Bryan Cave LLP
On February 20, 2003, the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") rewrote some of its rules for local telephone competition. For a number of reasons the ultimate impact of the FCC's decision on competition is unclear. What seems clear, however, is that the decision signals a dramatic political shift at the FCC at the expense of Chairman Michael Powell.
What You Can Do About Unsolicited Telephone Marketing Calls and Faxes
Federal Communications Commission
Brochure from the Federal Communications Commission which explains the FCC's "do not call rules" which protect consumers from unwanted telephone solicitations faxes to their homes.
Taking Legal Actions
Federal Communications Commission
Publication from the Federal Communications Commission which describes how consumers may file a lawsuit based on a violation of the Communications Act in Federal District Court or file a legal action at the FCC.
Death of the EBR Exemption May Be "Greatly Exaggerated"
Bart T. Murphy of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP
The Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004 would amend the Telephone Consumer Protection Act to restore an exemption allowing businesses to send unsolicited facsimile ads to persons with whom they have an established business relationship. The FCC wiped out this exemption in rule-making proceedings effective January 1, 2005. Plaintiff class action firms are filing TCPA unsolicited fax class action cases across the country. This article discusses the history and current state of the Act.
Latest FCC Modifications on Slamming
James M. Smith and Michael Van Eckhardt of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the fifth in a series of orders since 1998 modifying its rules relating to "slamming" (the unauthorized changing of a subscriber's telecommunications service provider). In the process, the FCC has-in the pursuit of greater consumer protection-significantly increased the responsibilities and burdens of providers of wireline local and long distance telecom services irrespective of whether the service provider is the unauthorized carrier ("slammer"), the authorized ("slammed") carrier, or the executing carrier that processes the change.
Recent Developments in Anti-Slamming Regulation
James M. Smith and Michael Van Eckhardt of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
In our March 28, 2003 DWT Telecom Alert, we advised you of new and significant changes to the FCC's "slamming" rules. Since then, a new Federal Court of Appeals decision and two new FCC actions have thrown the rules of the road in this area into even greater turmoil. Indeed, these actions may have serious implications for the entire FCC/state scheme regulating the verification of telecom service changes and enforcement of slamming rules.
Interception and Divulgence of Radio Communications
Federal Communications Commission
Fact sheet from the Federal Communications Commissions which provides general information regarding the interception of radio communications as governed by the Communications Act.
The Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Support Mechanisms
Federal Communications Commission
Publication for consumers from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which describes the actions the FCC has taken to ensure that affordable access to telecommunications services is available.
Commission Rulemaking on Duopoly, LMAs and Other Issues
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
In November 1996, the FCC released Notices of Proposed Rulemaking addressing a number of local ownership and attribution issues of critical significance to broadcasters.
New Requirements Concerning Children's Programming: A Reminder of Broadcasters' Obligations
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
NEW REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING: A REMINDER OF BROADCASTERS' OBLIGATIONS .
Suggestions on How to Prepare for the Year 2000
Federal Communications Commission
Tips from the Federal Communications Commission for businesses on how to prepare for the year 2000.
Pacific Quadra casting: New Support For Security Interests In Broadcast Licenses
Christopher M. McDermott of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
For companies in the broadcasting, cellular communications and other media businesses, the licenses granted by the .
How to File a Complaint with the Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission
Publication from the Federal Communications Commission which describes how to file a complaint with them.
U.S. Court of Appeals Vacates and Remands FCC Order Concerning Reciprocal Compensation for ISP-Bound Traffic
Alan G. Fishel and Brett A. Snyder 1 of Arent Fox LLP
This article discusses the recent U.S. Court of Appeals decision which vacated and remanded the FCC order relating to reciprocal compensation for ISP traffic. This decision will have significant impact on local exchange carriers, other telecommunications carriers, ISPs and other enhanced services providers.
U.S. Court of Appeals Collocation Ruling
Alan G. Fishel and Brett Synder 1 of Arent Fox LLP
This article reviews the U.S. Court of Appeals decision for the District of Columbia whereby the district court reviewed the FCC's order concerning carriers rights to collocate their equipment at the incumbent local exchange carriers' facilities.
Do Not Call Stumbles, Recovers
Joseph J. Lewczak and Ivana Starr of Davis & Gilbert LLP
On October 7, 2003, the United States 10th Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Federal Trade Commission's ("FTC") request to stay an order of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado that blocked FTC implementation and enforcement of the National Do Not Call Registry ("Registry"). In granting the stay, the Court of Appeals found that the FTC demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on the merits and that the implementation of the Registry likely "passes muster" under the Central Hudson test.
Are Class Action Lawyers Systematically Targeting Regulated Industries?
William Barr 1 and Barbara Hart* 2
June 20 of this year, the Second Circuit decided a case called Law Offices of Curtis V. Trinko v. Bell Atlantic Corp., the so-called Trinko case, which, we believe, radically changed the antitrust law in two respects: it expanded the scope of duties that incumbent firms owed to rivals; and it changed the traditional standing limits that barred suits by indirect purchasers.
Brief Update: Second Circuit Grants Writ of Mandamus In NextWave Case
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
In this update, the author discusses a Second Circuit opinion that concluded the Bankruptcy Court violated its prior mandate, and the FCC's licensing decisions are outside the bankruptcy courts limited jurisdiction.
Telecom Mergers Predicted: But Don't Bet On ItÃ‚Â…
Kelly Cameron,Andrew Pickens Miller and G. Patrick Watson
The New Year brings a flurry of Top 10 lists and resolutions to lose weight. This year, in the wake of the burst of the telecom and Internet bubble, the New Year also brings predictions of major mergers in an industry that is considered to be "ripe for consolidation." While there are plausible cases to be made for potential mergers, there are also a number of reasons to believe that weight-loss vows are as likely to come to fruition as any "major" telecom merger.
The FCC'S UNE Triennial Review Order--A Mixed Bag for Competitors
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Yesterday, the FCC adopted its UNE Triennial Review decision, the most sweeping ruling affecting the telecommunications industry since 1996, and one that is certain to have far-reaching effects in the telecommunications industry for years to come. The decision, which is the result of much debate and compromise, is essentially a "mixed bag" for the competitive industry, with some "wins" and some "losses."
FCC and Congress Look for New Frequency Bands for Expanded WiFi Use
James S. Blitz of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Recent interest in unlicensed wireless operations using the 802.11 standard, often called "WiFi," has led both the FCC and Congress to identify additional spectrum where WiFi operations might be possible. The FCC recently issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) proposing two bands - including the one currently used for over-the-air television broadcasting - where unlicensed operations could be permitted.
Commission to Vote on DTV
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
As of this writing, the FCC is expected to adopt digital television ("DTV") service rules and .
The Federal Communications Commission Universal Service Programs for Low-Income Consumers

Publication from the Federal Communications Commission which describes universal service programs for low income telecommunications customers.
What the Telecommunications Act of 1996 Means for People With Disabilities
Federal Communications Commission
Discussion paper from the Federal Communications Commission regarding the impact of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 on people with disabilities.
FCC Prohibits Fax Advertising WIithout Signed Written Consent From Recipient
Ivana Starr of Davis & Gilbert LLP
On August 25, 2003, new FCC regulations further restricting the use of facsimile advertising will go into effect. Compliance with the requirement that affirmative, signed permission be obtained in order to send advertisements relating to the commercial availability or quality of goods or services by fax has been extended to January 1, 2005.
New FCC Order Liberalizes the International Settlement Rate Rules for Telecommunication Carriers
Michelle Weisberg Cohen 1 of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") has recently amended its International Settlements Policy ("ISP.
Broadcast Ownership Rules
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communication Commission's biennial review of broadcast ownership rules.
Creation of New Regulatory Regimes in the African Region
Coudert Brothers LLP
Until a short while ago, in many African countries the state-owned operator was both the monopoly operator and reg.
NARUSCA v. FCC: Federalism, Line Item Billing, and the Future of Wireless Consumer Protection
Seth Cooper 1 of The Federalist Society
States can regulate line items in customer billing for cellular wireless services. The Supreme Court left standing a Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals decision that state truth-in-billing rules for wireless are not preempted under federal law. Here follows a look back at the Eleventh Circuit's ruling, as well as a short take on the past, present, and possible future of wireless consumer protection regulation.
The Future of American Spectrum Policy
Kathleen Q. Abernathy* 1
A policy speech covering: 1) why spectrum management is important; 2) the contours of the spectrum policy debate and the FCC's role; 3) the key values and considerations the FCC Commissioner believes should guide that debate; and 4) where we go from here.
Implications of the Supreme Court's Verizon v. FCC Decision
Adam Thierer* 1 of The Federalist Society
Telecommunications deregulation suffered a serious setback when the Supreme Court handed down its eagerly awaited decision in Verizon Communications v. Federal Communications Commission, and held that federal regulators could continue to force incumbent local telephone companies to share elements of their networks with rivals at heavily discounted rates.
FCC Extends Sunset of "Established Business Relationship" Exemption For Unsolicited Facsimile Ads Under TCPA
Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP
A ÃÂcottage industryÃÂ of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (ÃÂTCPAÃÂ) unsolicited facsimile ad litigation has arisen and the potential exposure for defendants is significant. As a result of these filings, a number of insurers have also filed declaratory judgment actions seeking declarations that they are not liable for coverage on these claims.
Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act
Brobeck Phleger & Harrison LLP
This report details the Y2K Information and Readiness Disclosure Act.
FCC Proposes New International Settlement Rate Rules for Telecommunications Carriers to Promote Competition and Lower Regulatory Barriers
Michelle Weisberg Cohen 1
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") proposed on August 6 to once again revise its int.
Communications Law and Regulation
Goldberg, Godles, Wiener & Wright
This summary outlines many of the basic issues confronting communications law practitioners today.
GPS Update: The FCC Sets the Table for GPS Location Technology in Wireless Phones
Daniel R. Sovocool of Thelen LLP
This article summarizes the FCC's recent rule change by which wireless carriers must comply with the agency's Phase II E-911 wireless location mandate.
Client Alert: August 1998--FCC Proposes New International Settlement Rate Rules For Telecommunications Carriers To Promote Competition And Lower Regulatory Barriers
Michelle W. Cohen 1 and Seth C. Silber 2 of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
This Client Alert provides an overview of the FCC's proposed international settlement rate rules for telecommunications carriers.
The Federal Communications Commission Revised Ex Parte Rules
Federal Communications Commission
Fact sheet from the Federal Communications Commission which describes the FCC's revised ex parte rules effective June 2, 1997.
Wireless Telecommunications Investment Scams
Federal Communications Commission
Publication from the Federal Communications Commission which offers guidelines to help protect potential investors in wireless telecommunications services from being defrauded by unscrupulous promoters.
Federal Communications Commission Alert Regarding Auction Scams
Federal Communications Commission
Publication for consumers from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which describes various scams that promote fraudulent investments in FCC licenses subject to auction.
Truth-in-Billing For Telephone Bills
Federal Communications Commission
Tips for consumers from the Federal Trade Commission on how protect themselves from telecommunications fraud and save money.
Telephone Slamming
Federal Communications Commission
Publication from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for consumers which explains the FCC anti-slamming rules which involve switching a consumer's telephone carrier without his or her knowledge or consent.
How to Participate In the Federal Communications Commission Comments Process
Federal Communications Commission
Tips from the Federal Communications Commission for businesses on how they can participate in the comments process.
FCC Releases Collocation Ruling and Further Notices of Proposed Rulemaking on Other Collocation Issues and Issues Concerning Deployment of New Network Architectures
Arent Fox LLP
This alert summarizes the FCC's notice of proposed rulemaking relating to collocation issues and issues concerning deployment of new network architectures.
FCC Seeks Comments In Ultra-Wideband Proceeding Alert
Arent Fox LLP
This article reviews the FCC's proposed rules relating to Ultra-Wideband devices. In particular, the FCC is seeking comment relating to which types of UWB devices should be permitted and under what conditions should such devices be allowed.
FCC Decisions on VoIP Classification Will Affect the Future of the Service
Perkins Coie
Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") is arguably one of the most important recent developments in telecommunications, yet is virtually ignored by current federal and state regulations applicable to traditional telephone service. However, the growing popularity of VoIP in both the private and business sectors (some analysts claim that VoIP will replace traditional telephone service for the majority of users by the end of this decade) makes it likely that VoIP will be subjected to at least some regulatory requirements in the future.
FCC Preempts State Commission Requirements That ILECs Provide DSL Service to End User Customers Subscribing to CLEC Voice Service; Issues Notice of Inquiry on Bundling of "Legacy" and "New" Services
Perkins Coie
On March 25, 2005, the FCC released an order ("Order") over two dissents (by Commissioners Adelstein and Copps) granting a petition for declaratory ruling filed by BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. ("BellSouth"). The Order preempts separate orders of four state commissions in BellSouth's local service territory that had required BellSouth to provide DSL service to customers receiving voice services from Competitive Local Exchange Carriers ("CLECs") using unbundled loops leased by the CLECs from BellSouth.

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