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FCC grants cross-service translator major move outside filing window

The FCC has established new case law by permitting FM translator W263AQ to make a move that would normally require a major change application or a series of minor changes that the FCC considers an abuse of process.

Statement of REC Networks: DOJ petition to block AT&T/T-Mobile merger

The Department of Justice has seen through all of the song and dance that AT&T has been doing lately. The writing on the wall is clear. The AT&T takeover of T-Mobile is anti-competitive as it will eliminate the only competing GSM carrier which in turn will create an even more captive audience in the international roaming market.

A merger of AT&T and T-Mobile would have also eliminated many redundant jobs across the board from call centers and retail stores to middle management.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in his statement said today that "competition fosters customer benefits, including more choices, better service and lower prices." REC could not agree more.

FCC extends filing deadline for 99-25

UPDATE:
FCC has granted REC's motion but with a one week extension. Comments are now due on September 6 with replies due on September 20.

Motion for Extension of Time (8/28/11)

Citing the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the fact that millions of electric customers are without service, LPFM and Full Service stations are focusing on their audiences, REC Networks has filed a request for an extension of time to allow for interested parties to finish up their affairs related to the hurricane as well as wait for power restoration. REC asked for an extension of two weeks.

FCC activates Disaster Information Reportng System

In the wake of Hurricane Irene, the FCC has activated the Disaster Information Reporting System in the following counties:
North Carolina: Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Jones, Martin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell and Washington
South Carolina: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Georgetown, Horry and Marion.

Does EAS Have a Place in an Earthquake?

The American EAS system serves two purposes, as an early warning system and as a method of communications in the aftermath of an incident. Warning of impending storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other bad weather as well as giving evacuation orders as a result of a major wildfire are examples of an early warning system. Using EAS for AMBER alerts and giving evacuation orders as a result of an accident that has taken place are examples of using EAS in the aftermath of an incident. I do not feel that EAS can provide an efficient early warning of earthquakes. This is because the United States lacks the infrastructure to provide expedient early warnings of earthquakes such as the system currently being used in Japan.

The death of the Fairness Doctrine and the so-called "threat" of localism.

Earlier this week, the FCC, on it's own motion eliminated several obsolete rules from Parts 1, 73 and 76. Some of the rules included those related to the TV "broadcast flag" which was intended to thwart piracy as well as the so-called "Fairness Doctrine".

The "Fairness Doctrine" was one of the last of the regulations on the book that made broadcasters accountable to the communities that they are licensed to. Unenforced for the past few decades, the Fairness Doctrine required broadcasters to air opposing viewpoints to commentary made over the air.

FCC to release public notice with LPFM availability parameters

The FCC has informed REC late Friday afternoon that a Public Notice will be issued that officially announces the comment deadline dates. In addition, the FCC will also publish the parameters and programs used to determine the availability of LPFM channels, which is being used as a basis to determine the disposition of thousands of pending Auction 83 FM Translator applications. This data was requested by REC and other parties who have been in contact with REC since our motion was filed last Friday morning after the NPRM was published in the Federal Register.

Comment deadlines set for LPFM/Translator proposed rulemaking

The Third NPRM for the Low Power FM Radio Service (MM Docket 99-25) and the Scope of Translators proceeding (MB Docket 07-172) has been published in the Federal Register. This will start the clock on the comment period.

Comments are due: August 29, 2011.
Reply comments due: September 12, 2011.

Comments may be filed electronically through the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS).

REC will be issuing opinions on the aspects of the NPRM at a later time.

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