Wireless communications adoption has grown from 48.7 million subscribers in 1997 to 321.7 million subscribers in 2012. While the number of wireless consumers is on the rises, and a greater number are choosing to “cut the cord” on their landline connections, the state and local tax burden has also skyrocketed. Frequently seen as a quick way to increase revenues into state coffers, an October 29, 2012 report by Scott Mackey of KSE Partners shows that taxes on wireless consumers continue to rise at a steady pace.
Abolishing a Free and Open Internet: The fight is just beginning
From December 3 through December 14, the U.N. International Telecommunications Union will be convening the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) to review proposals to the International Telecommunications Regulations (ITR). The last update to this treaty occurred in 1988; meanwhile the Internet has continued to grow and thrive under the current multi-stakeholder regime, with nearly 2.3 billion users worldwide at the end of 2011. Yet, even with the growth in use and access, some countries would like the U.N. to “take over” the Internet, rather than allowing the continued multi-stakeholder approach.
Special Access is all About the Data
The special access marketplace provides dedicated high-capacity connections that serve voice and data needs for smaller carriers, large businesses and government through lease agreements with larger telecommunications providers. In 1999, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to deregulate the special access marketplace, which has helped to spur growth and innovation in all areas of telecommunications. […]
Recovery Act Broadband Funds: Boon or Bust
When he signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) or stimulus, President Obama promised that the $862 billion expenditure of taxpayer dollars would provide jobs and improve the economy. Everyone has heard about the “shovel-ready jobs,” and seen signs along the highway touting the use of ARRA funds for improvements, but beyond roadwork loans to failing solar companies like Solyndra, there were many other outlets for stimulus funds.
Spectrum Auction Options Abound
An op-ed by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski was published on September 16, 2012 in TechCrunch.com, explaining why additional spectrum is so critical to the economy. Highlighting the job creation impact of improved mobile broadband capabilities in the U.S., and citing the growing “apps economy,” which alone has created nearly 500,000 jobs, Chairman Genachowski estimated that nearly 1.6 million U.S. jobs have been created over the past five years due to innovations in mobile technology.
The Two Million Dollar Intern
Worth his weight in gold, former astronaut Steve Austin used his super-human bionic strength to fight crime, injustice and international bad guys, all in the name of the red, white and blue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) now has its own version of “The Six Million Dollar Man,” known as “The Two Million Dollar Intern.”
FCC Understates Success of Broadband
On August 21, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued its eighth annual report on advanced communications capability in America, pursuant to section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Using the information in this report, the FCC concluded that despite continued investments by the private sector, as well as grants and funding from the universal service fund (USF), there are still 19 million Americans living in 7 million households without fixed broadband capabilities. While that means 95 percent of Americans now have access to broadband, the FCC has determined that “implementation work is far from complete.”
Retransmission and Must Carry Rules Must Go!
Television has changed vastly since the days analog signals carried only three major networks and one or two other channels over the airways. Today, there is a wide range of viewing options available to consumers, ranging from cable and fiber optic networks on the ground, to satellite feeds and online distribution of programming.
Mobile Government Apps Lack Transparency, Direction
Since entering the market for mobile apps, the federal government has shown little restraint on deployment and no respect for taxpayers. According to USA.gov, there are currently 107 mobile apps among federal agencies. Given the scope of many of the apps on the website, insufficient planning has resulted in duplication. Even worse, there is no indication of the cost of development and deployment of these new apps to taxpayers. Given these shortcomings, government agencies must coordinate efforts in order to increase transparency and minimize duplication.
Low Hanging Fruit Not Too Low to Cut
When evaluating the overall budget picture, many analysts understandably and appropriately focus on the big ticket spending items, especially the largest and fastest growing portions of the federal budget, entitlements. Sometimes, it pays to think smaller scale and evaluate low hanging fruit when looking for areas to reduce costs.