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.

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.

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.

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.

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.