Pirate party Oct 20, 2009
He cites Volvic and Evian as companies that compete with a free, legal, universal service - tap water. His ideas have unsurprisingly found little support among the music establishment. (BBC News -- Technology)
Khalid Ramli tipped to be MCMC chairman Oct 20, 2009
A key role towards this would be the disbursement from the estimated RM3bil the MCMC has collected from telecommunications operators over the years into what is called the universal service provision fund. Khalid should have his hands full in making sure this money is well spent to achieve the funds goal of providing connectivity to rural areas. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Internet a human right? Oct 19, 2009
The tens of thousands of crores sitting idle in the Universal Service Obligation fund and with the public sector telecom major BSNL can find no better use than building an optical fibre network to every single Block headquarters. High-speed wireless technology and our telecom service providers proven ability to make money from millions of small transactions can take it forward from thereon, to make universal internet access a reality. (India Times)
Q&A: Genachowski Says Network Neutrality Rules Will Take Time Oct 18, 2009
MCN: What is the status of inquiries into the special access market and Universal Service. JG: Within the next 30 days, the Commissions Wireline Competition Bureau will issue a public notice seeking comment on the appropriate data sets needed and the analytic framework to use in evaluating special-access markets. (Multichannel News)
Confused message on UK broadband Oct 17, 2009
"As yet the USO [Universal Service Obligation] or USC [Universal Service Commitment] has not been defined properly, the forthcoming Digital Economy bill and various groups working to implement it should hopefully flesh out the detail, but as is often the case we see grand plans announced, which are slowly watered down to cope with those harder-to-deal-with areas," said Andrew Ferguson, editor of broadband news site ThinkBroadband. "In the UK we are at a juncture where a minister is calling for... (BBC News -- Technology)
Finland makes broadband Internet a legal right Oct 16, 2009
"Universal service is every citizen's subjective right," Vilkkonen said. It is a view shared by the United Nations, which is making a big push to deem Internet access a human right. (CNN -- Tech)
Challenge heats up for WiMAX Oct 15, 2009
With the current level under 20%, the Government may quicken the use of the Universal Service Provision (USP) fund. The fund is made up of monies contributed by the bigger telecommunications companies, based on a small percentage of their profits. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Lawmakers Call for FCC Probe Into Google Voice Oct 12, 2009
"If Google is allowed to operate its telephone services outside of the rules by which all other common carriers operate, we worry that the market and support for universal service will be undermined.". In a explaining Google's position, Rick Whitt, the company's telecom counsel, said that Google favored reforms to the carrier-compensation system. (SmallBusinessComputing)
FCC seeks more info on Google Voice Oct 10, 2009
Google said AT&T (NYSE:T) is different because it charges for it phone service and gets millions of dollars of universal service subsidies. It implied that AT&T is being hypocritical in asking for FCC action because it has sought to block calls to those areas, as well. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
FCC to launch inquiry into Google Voice Oct 10, 2009
"Of course, AT&T charges customers for their services and also receives hundreds of millions of dollars in universal service subsidies.". The new questions from the FCC came two days after a group of 20 U.S. lawmakers, led by Representative , an Indiana Republican, sent a , asking the agency to investigate Google Voice. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Windstream Obtains Consents to Amend and Restate Existing Senior Secured Credit Facilities Oct 9, 2009
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, among others: further adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets served by Windstream; the extent, timing and overall effects of competition in the communications business; continued access line loss; the impact of new, emerging or competing technologies; the adoption of inter-carrier compensation and/or universal service reform proposals by the Federal Communications Commission or... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
We need to debate conscription Oct 3, 2009
By December 2005 it was evident to me we needed to look hard at the possible benefits of a universal service scheme for our young people, to meet demands for work where market forces cannot meet demand for the military, or fill gaps left vacant in critical support services from a lack of volunteers. Thus was borne the proposal for a public debate involving a universal service scheme, and how we might build a scheme that meets our needs and makes us feel especially "Australian" ... I propose to... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
FCC's Job One: Defining Broadband Sep 30, 2009
And while the broadband task force members suggested they were simply providing a view of the current landscape, rather than policy recommendations, the message seemed to be that speed was critical to handle the applications that would be necessary for a practical version of universal service, and that the speed should be judged by a median calculation at heavy usage times, rather than an advertised speed. Top broadband advisor Blair Levin did say that it would not be a one-size-fits-all... (Multichannel News)
Matsui introduces Web affordability bill Sep 25, 2009
The bill, the Broadband Affordability Act of 2009, directs the Federal Communications Commission to expand the Universal Service Fund s Lifeline Assistance program to broadband service. Currently, the program is designed to ensure that basic telephone service is available to low-income customers at affordable rates. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Matsui Introduces Universal Service Fund Bill Sep 25, 2009
has introduced a bill that would expand the Universal Service Fund to include broadband by discounting the Internet access bills to the poor and underserved. Most observers agree that the FCC will need to extend the fund to broadband. (Multichannel News)
Open Forum: Letter writer was just wondering Sep 20, 2009
How come eight extra charges are added to our landline phone bill; number portability, Federal subscriber line charge, Minnesota telephone assistance plan surcharge, telecommunications access Minnesota, emergency 911 service, federal excise tax, federal universal service charge and Minnesota state sales tax. Just wondering. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Genachowski Commits To Feb. 17 Deadline For Universal Service Reform Options Sep 18, 2009
FCC chairman Julius Genachowski Thursday committed to a deadline of no later than Feb. 17 to come up with "real options" on universal service reform and a plan for re-auctioning the D block of spectrum ... The D-block auction is intended to create a nationwide interoperable network for emergency communications, while reforming the Universal Service Fund is expected to include adding subsidies for broadband deployment. (Multichannel News)
Cutting Telstra's cord Sep 17, 2009
Telstra could offer structural separation as a solution in return for removing regulatory restrictions on it, including restructuring the universal service obligation for telephony. In that respect, Telstra has the power to move the desired industry structure forward. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Healthcare taxes, hidden and otherwise Sep 16, 2009
Ban all universal service charges and fees. It is not my responsibility to pay more so someone living a hundred miles from nowhere can pay the same as I do, living in a metropolitan area, for phone service or internet service. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Conroy draws the line at Telstra's monopoly Sep 16, 2009
Telstra's universal service obligation, customer service guarantee and priority assistance services would be strengthened to ensure consumers are also not disadvantaged during the $43 billion transition to the national broadband network, which the Government has suggested the newly co-operative company could yet be a part. Telstra will also be required to maintain an unspecified number of pay phones across the country and to seek approval from the Australian Communications and Media Authority... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
$100M-plus broadband map runs into cost questions Sep 15, 2009
And it could help set priorities in the years ahead for huge federal programs such as the Universal Service Fund and the , which spend billions of dollars annually to subsidize telecom services. In addition to the NTIA's mapping project, there's a parallel push at the to gather more detailed data on broadband subscribers. (USA Today -- Tech)
Copps Names Staffers Sep 8, 2009
Copps staffer Jennifer Schneider has also been named to the new post of senior policy advisor, including principal advisor for broadband, wireline and universal service. Paul Murray, who has been a Copps staffer helping with wireless issues, is returning to his prior post as legal advisor to the chief of the wireless bureau. (Multichannel News)
U.S. is 15 years behind South Korea in Internet speed Aug 26, 2009
It also suggests shifting the outdated universal service payments that support voice telephone service over to pay for better and cheaper high-speed Internet service for everyone. San Francisco Business Times. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Mission of U.S. Postal Service remains vital Aug 19, 2009
Even in the digital age, the Postal Service's mission of "binding the nation together" with universal service, at fair and reasonable rates, must be preserved. Share this page. (Juneau Empire)
Senate sends food to troops; passes sheriffs bill Aug 19, 2009
Remove the existing $1 million cap for violations of utility companies, generators, and suppliers pertaining to standards for universal service, customer satisfaction, service outages, telephone service, billing service, and public and employee safety. The House passed a similar version of this legislation, however, there slight differences that are being addressed between the Senate and the House. (Bolton Common, MA)
Topsfield Post Office to reduce hours of operation Aug 18, 2009
Failure to do so will threaten our ability to meet our mission of providing universal service at affordable prices. Loading commenting interface. (Boxford Tri Town Transcript, MA)
Hope vs. Fear Aug 18, 2009
I don't need "universal services" to sturcture my life ... If they don't, they could become candidates for universal service where we can provide the structure they need. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
The decline of the landline: Unwired Aug 14, 2009
And taxes on landlines are the basis of the complex system of subsidies to ensure universal service, meaning an affordable phone line for all ... Alas, attempts to reform the notoriously bureaucratic Universal Service Fund, the main source of subsidies to make landlines affordable, have gone nowhere. (The Economist)
IT cos should expand export base: Sachin Pilot Aug 12, 2009
However, with about $10 billion already allocated by the government under the NeGP (national e-governance plan) and USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund), the minister feels that its rural and domestic market that will pilot the growth of both telecom and IT. He shares his vision for the sectors with ET. Excerpts. What should the IT-ITeS sectors focus on to sustain growth. (India Times, India)
Cover Story: Strings Attached Aug 10, 2009
A move is afoot to allow small cable companies to participate in the FCCs Universal Service Fund, a $7. 1 billion pot of money earmarked to expand telecommunications service to rural areas. (Multichannel News)
AT&T U-verse Arrives in Greenville Aug 9, 2009
Installation, Universal Service Fund Fees, taxes, fees, and other charges apply. International calls billed at additional per-minute rates; higher rates may apply for calls terminating on mobile phones or other wireless devices. (PR Newswire)
Market-based health care the remedy Aug 8, 2009
This would be a universal service entitlement. Consumers could stay in the public system, or use their medical, hospital and pharmaceutical entitlement as a voucher, taking it to a competitor ''plan'' and paying extra for extended health and hospital services. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
GIFEC Board inaugurated Aug 6, 2009
Mr Attor said GIFEC had as its mandate, the achievement of universal access to telecommunication throughout all the regions and communities by the year 2010 or before and also expand universal service penetration to at least 25 per cent of the population. The GIFEC, he said, would strive to achieve their set target and continue to deploy infrastructure and connectivity to the underserved and remote areas through the Community Information Centre Project. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Proposed Universal Service Fee Increase Threatens to Shut Off Location-Based, In-Vehicle Telematics Emergency Services Aug 6, 2009
WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Location-based emergency communications services delivered to vehicles could be cut off under proposed changes to how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) collects universal service fees ... "I am hopeful that the new FCC will take a different direction and pursue a universal service reform approach that would not compromise public safety services such as telematics," said Steve Millstein, president of ATX. "The U.S. has been leading in the deployment of... (PR Newswire)
* Taiwan News Quick Take Aug 6, 2009
With the first broadband network for remote areas completed this year, the commission is confident of achieving its policy goal of broadband for every tribe and village, part of Taiwans telecommunications universal service program. The launch ceremony of the service was held at the townships Dahu elementary school, the commission said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Rel Infra buying cement biz has nothing to do with RNRL-RIL row: CEO Aug 4, 2009
The process of shifting of consumers is being refined by MERC. The universal service obligation existed only for Reliance and BEST. Now since the Tatas have a licence, they will also have universal service obligation, which means they will have to supply to each and every consumer who demands power from them. Up to now, they have limited themselves to the very rich and expensive consumers. (India Times)
Two SE Fresno postal branches face change Aug 4, 2009
"What we're attempting to do here is to find a way to cut our costs as much as possible and still maintain our universal service mandate -- that's service for everybody.". The Postal Service has been struggling with a sharp decline in mail volume as people and businesses go online both for correspondence and bill paying. (Fresno Bee)
Carpathia: Twelve years on and bitter experience has shown that telco investing is generally not a great way to make a dollar. Aug 1, 2009
For Telstra, the biggest challenge has always been achieving a healthy return on the capital employed in meeting universal service obligations. Meanwhile, the junior telcos snapping at its heels have struggled with regulation that has often been ineffective in providing their niche businesses with access to the Telstra network at competitive rates. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Union Pres.: Closures Would Betray Post Office's Service Jul 30, 2009
The possible closures get away from the idea of the post office's universal service to all members of society, said Postal Union president Phil Thomas. "We're concerned about the public that's supposed to have access to postal facilities and have the same shake as folks out in west Omaha, or folks who have a higher standard of living," Thomas said. (7 KETV Omaha)
The One Thing Jul 29, 2009
And you look at World War II -- that was a draft, this is not a draft, this is universal service ... It's not a draft, it's universal service. (Fox News)
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company Reports Second Quarter 2009 Financial Results Jul 29, 2009
0 million for a non-recurring pass-through of certain universal service fund fees received from Sprint Nextel ... 0 million for a non-recurring pass-through of certain universal service fund fees received from Sprint Nextel ... 0 million for a non-recurring pass-through of certain universal service fund fees received from Sprint Nextel. (PR Newswire)
Independent Show: Panelists Say Broadband's Regulatory Honeymoon Over Jul 28, 2009
1 billion Universal Service Fund, which is funded by telecom companies to finance rural telephone expansion, to encompass broadband. That could be an even bigger source of funds for rural cable wishing to expand their broadband reach because, as Cinnamon noted, while the BTOP program is a one-time $7. (Multichannel News)
Broadband satellite jumps rocket Jul 23, 2009
The recent Digital Britain report reaffirmed the government's Universal Service Commitment to ensure that every home in the UK can get 2Mbps broadband by 2012. A range of technologies, such as DSL, wireless, and fibre, will be required to do this. (BBC News -- Science)
Senate Commerce OKs Clyburn, Baker For FCC Jul 22, 2009
"From promoting pro-investment policies that enhance broadband infrastructure and accelerate deployment to tackling universal service and inter-carrier compensation reforms, both Clyburn and Baker possess the insight and experience to propel a breadth of broadband-enabled innovations.". More Content. (Multichannel News)
Kenya: Govt to Register Cellphone Users to Curb Crime Jul 22, 2009
To redress the rural/urban divide in access to ICT services, the President said the government has amended the law to facilitate the creation of Universal Service Fund to finance the deployment of communication services in un-served areas of the country. He said that in the 2009/10 financial year, the government has given numerous incentives to the ICT sub-sector by lowering taxes and giving rebates on key capital intensive investment areas and asked the industry to take advantage of the... (allAfrica.com)
All villages to be broadband-enabled Jul 11, 2009
The government's universal service obligation fund (USOF) has planned to provide broadband connectivity to about 500,000 villages in a phased manner. USOF, being raised through a 5 percent levy imposed on telecom operators' revenues, is utilised for supporting telecom services in rural areas. (India Times)
COMMENT: Look On The Bright Side Jul 9, 2009
Significant amounts remain unused with the Universal Service Obligation Fund, funds contributed by industry for telecom infrastructure development. India needs to release its wealth of entrepreneurial talent. (India Times, India)
Govt hopes to collect Rs 35K cr from 3G spectrum auction Jul 7, 2009
The Budget also allocated Rs 2,400 crore from the Universal Service Obligation Fund to subsidise unviable mobile, internet and landline operations in rural India. All telcos contribute 5% of their annual revenue towards this fund and the unutilised amount in USOF is estimated to be over Rs 20,000 crore. (India Times)
Bravo Heats Up August With Series Returns Jul 3, 2009
The NBC Universal service will premiere the third season of Flipping Out Aug. 17 at 10 p.m.,, while the sophomore season of The Rachel Zoe Project begins Aug. 25 also in that time period. During the third season of docu-series Flipping Out, everyone's favorite obsessive-compulsive house-flipper Jeff Lewis has to deal with the realities of the economy and how it has taken its toll on his business. (Multichannel News)
Kansas Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement to FBI in E-Rate Fraud Investigation Jul 3, 2009
The Schools and Libraries Universal Service Fund, a federally funded program known as E-Rate, was created by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. E-Rate is a program through which the Universal Services Administrative Company, a not-for-profit corporation, acting under oversight of the FCC, subsidizes the provision of Internet access and telecommunications services, as well as internal computer and communications networks to economically disadvantaged schools and libraries. (PR Newswire)
ICT boost for the underserved Jul 3, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: Rural areas in Sabah, Sarawak and Pahang can look forward to having better telecommunications facilities soon an initiative that will be funded by the Universal Service Provision (USP) fund. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) said it will focus on the provision of telecommunications facilities and Internet access to the areas, under the national High-Speed Broadband (HSBB) project, during the next 16 months. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Technology)
I guess we will just face more disappointment from the FCC as far as the bells... Jul 1, 2009
AT&T: FCC Must Fix Universal Service Fund ... AT&T says that the Federal Communications Commission cannot get serious about a national broadband plan until it fixes the Universal Service Fund, which ... "The universal service fund is in a death spiral, driven by growing demands on the fund, the decline of the wireline model and consumer migration to other platforms and services," said AT&T in a statement. (Multichannel News)
TM, 13 telcos in talks on high speed broadband kick off in several areas Jun 30, 2009
4bil from the universal service provision fund. TM said it wanted to be a party in providing access in Zone 3 and would participate in tender bids called by the regulator. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Telkom seeks 1.7% hike Jun 23, 2009
Outgoing mobile/cellular calls and outgoing calls to Neotel, other licensed operators and Universal Service Access. Licensees remain unchanged. (iAfrica.com)
Attempt To Hotline Genachowski, McDowell Nominations Falls Short Jun 20, 2009
The Universal Service Fund, for example, which similarly funds telecommunications service to hard-to-reach places is almost universally cited as a funding program that needs reviewing and revamping. Sen. (Multichannel News)
Postal workers strike over jobs Jun 20, 2009
She said: "Industrial action will not modernise Royal Mail - it will simply disrupt the service, annoy customers and lead to an even greater loss of business, leaving Royal Mail less able to protect full time jobs - and the Universal Service in the competitive marketplace.". Bookmark with. (BBC News -- UK)
TK Arun: Pro-people telecom agenda Jun 18, 2009
Upwards of Rs 20,000 crore is lying in the Universal Service Obligation Fund, waiting to be used. This is more than enough to connect not just every district but also every development block with fat fibre-optic pipes. (India Times)
Modern Britain? Jun 17, 2009
Two megabits per second is too slow for me, but universal service offers so many opportunities for engagement that it's definitely worth having. And there may even be 'cultural tax relief' for games developers and distributors, on the lines of the model that has made Canada such an attractive place for UK developers to move to. (BBC News -- Technology)
Genachowski Praised At Senate Nomination Hearing Jun 17, 2009
"We urge the committee to swiftly approve these nominations and send them to the full Senate, so that the commission can move forward aggressively to advance our nation's broadband future, to address critical issues such as stabilizing universal service and reforming intercarrier compensation...". More Content. (Multichannel News)
At a glance: Digital Britain Jun 17, 2009
A commitment to deliver the Universal Service Commmitment to ensure that every home in the UK can get 2Mbps broadband by 2012. A range of technologies, including DSL, wireless, fibre to street cabinets and satellite infill will be used to deliver the basic broadband. (BBC News -- Technology)
Gilat to Provide Turnkey Satellite Communications Network for Thailand's Public Communications Agency, CAT Jun 16, 2009
CAT will deploy Gilat SkyEdge II VSATs to provide rural citizens with telephony and broadband Internet access at public call offices nationwide as part of a Universal Service Obligation (USO). "After evaluating several VSAT providers, we determined that Gilat provided the optimal combination of superior technology, qualified support and experience meeting USO obligations," said Thongyai Chanthanawan, SCS-Loxley Consortium Director. (Primezone Releases)
Multichannel Newswire Jun 16, 2009
AT&T says that the FCC cannot get serious about a national broadband plan until it fixes the Universal Service Fund Remote-control developer Hillcrest Labs has launched its first retail product -- the Loop, a $99 wireless device aimed at consumers who have connected their computers to a TV set. Turner Entertainment has customized promotions for Miller Lite, Twix and Kia Motors America for the inaugural TBS Presents A Very Funny Festival Just For Laughs in Chicago. (Multichannel News)
Barclays' stake sale to Mideast investors yields win-win outcome Jun 6, 2009
Considering Barclays quit both M&A advisory and equities in 1997, its current strategy represents a step back to the universal service banking model, which some have blamed for making financial institutions such as Citigroup too complex to manage, and too big to fail without causing systemic damage to the financial system. However, it is too early to say what Barclays' eventual corporate shape will be, as it is pushing ahead with the disposal of Barclays Global Investors, a subsidiary of... (Xinhuanet, China)
Auction 3G spectrum quickly Jun 2, 2009
Over a longer timeframe, the government needs to utilise the over Rs 20,000 crore available under the Universal Service Obligation fund for creating shared telecom infrastructure, which could include towers in remote areas and a fibre optic backbone for the country. Availability of such a shared, government-funded fibre optic network would help deliver affordable and yet viable fixed broadband services. (India Times)
Young Bros. a gauge of economy, and it's weak Jun 1, 2009
By contrast, Young Brothers said it is obligated to serve the public interest by providing frequent, universal service to all users on all islands under its certificate with the PUC.. "At this point, we're not anticipating reducing service levels, but you never know, especially if others are allowed to cherry-pick and not be required to offer universal and frequent service," Hong said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
