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Most Recent FCC and Court Filings

Please Note: Most filings are available for download in PDF (Portable Document Format). These can be opened with the Adobe Acrobat Reader which is free to download.

Now available:

MAP Joins with Coalition Urging Choices for Cellphone Users

April 30, 2007 MAP joined together with the Ad Hoc Public Interest Spectrum Coalition (PISC) in urging the FCC to prevent wireless providers from forcing consumers to purchase cellphones and other equipment directly from them. The Coalition's comments support a petition filed by Skype, that calls for the adoption of non-discrimination principles that would allow consumers to access wireless services with a cellphone of their choice. The coalition also asked the FCC to adopt further non-discrimination requirements that prevent wireless providers from blocking consumer access to certain advanced wireless internet features, internet applications and content.

Read the comments

MAP Wants Conditions on News Corp. License Transfers

March 23, 2007 In a joint filing with Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, and Free Press, MAP urged the FCC to impose program access and other public interest conditions on the transfer of Commission licenses and authorizations from News Corporation and DIRECTV to Liberty Media Corporation.

Read the comments

MAP Files Letter in Support of Cable Ownership Caps

March 21, 2007 On behalf of independent producers, and a diverse coalition of media reform, religious, consumer, and civil rights groups, MAP filed a letter with the FCC applauding reports that Chairman Kevin Martin has circulated an order reaffirming the FCC’s 30% limit on the number of cable subscribers any one company can control.

“The cable companies have spread a lot of misinformation in the last few days to try to scare the FCC into dropping the rule,” said Harold Feld, Senior Vice President of Media Access Project. Every American knows that cable doesn't face ‘effective competition’ every time they get a cable bill or need to call for service."

Read the letter

MAP Makes Case for Unlicensed Access in "White Spaces"

January 31, 2007 On behalf of a diverse coalition of organizations, MAP filed Comments in the FCC's "white spaces" proceeding, arguing the benefits of unlicensed access in the broadcast bands. Despite the limited availability of unlicensed spectrum roughly 5,000 commercial wireless ISPs (WISPs) provide broadband services to hundreds of thousands of mostly rural consumers and volunteers have brought wireless connectivity to thousands in poor urban neighborhoods. Permitting unlicensed access into the broadcast bands would provide “rocket fuel” for the development of community and wireless broadband in these underserved communities.

Read the comments

MAP Refutes Industry Arguments for Increased Media Consolidation

January 16, 2007 On behalf of Prometheus Radio Project, MAP filed Reply Comments in the FCC's ownership proceedings, refuting several industry arguments made in favor of increasing media consolidation. MAP counters industry claims that recent increases in programming choices and advances in technology have eliminated the need for ownership diversity and reasonable regulation. MAP also explains why a number of economic studies submitted by the National Association of Broadcasters fail to make a case for further relaxation of media ownership rules.

Read the reply comments

MAP Challenges License Renewals of All Commercial TV Stations in Portland

December 22, 2006 On behalf of the Oregon Alliance to Media Reform, MAP filed a Petition to Deny Renewal of all the commercial television stations in the Portland market that offer regularly scheduled newscasts. According to a Center for Media and Public Affairs study, in the four weeks prior to the 2004 election, less than 1% of Portland newscast time was devoted to state level elections, about 9% to ballot issues and less than 1% to other local elections. The petition argues that singly and together, each of these stations has failed to meet the needs of their community of license and therefore renewal of their licenses would not serve the public interest.

Read the petition

MAP Petitions FCC to Reconsider "White Spaces" Order

December 18, 2006 On behalf of the New America Foundation and Champaign Urbana Wireless Network, MAP filed a petition in the "white spaces" proceeding, asking the Commission to reconsider several issues in its recent order that would unnecessarily delay or prevent the operation of unlicensed devices in the broadcast spectrum. Among the issues, is a needless ban on marketing or selling unlicensed devices until the DTV transition has been completed. The ban would delay the development of open source technology and deployment by community wireless organizations bringing affordable broadband access to poor urban or rural areas.

Read the petition

MAP Files Brief in Defense of Artists' Free Speech on Television

November 26, 2006 On behalf of the Center for Creative Voices in Media, Media Access Project filed a brief for Amicus Curiae with the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The brief argues that the FCC's new indecency standards are vague and arbitrary and the complaint process in enforcement proceedings is fraught with abuse. As a consequence, the new rules have produced a chilling effect on artistic expression that has left creators in a precarious position since they no longer have the ability to determine accurately what type of expression constitutes indecent speech.

Read the brief

MAP Wants FCC to Enforce Consumer Choices for Cable Set-Top Boxes

November 15, 2006 In a letter to the FCC, MAP joined with other consumer and public interest groups urging the Commission to finally move forward with implementation of the set-top box integration ban. In 1998, the FCC adopted the ban to ensure the commercial availability of set-top boxes and provide consumers with greater choices. As part of a series of efforts to stall competition, cable providers are again asking the FCC to delay the ban.

Read the letter

MAP and CDD Push for Stronger Conditions on AT&T BellSouth Merger

October 24, 2006 On behalf of Center for Digital Democracy (CDD), MAP filed comments on the merger conditions proposed by AT&T and BellSouth. The proposed conditions are wholly inadequate to protect the public from the combined market power of AT&T and BellSouth. MAP and CDD called for a divestiture of AT&T's vast spectrum holdings and the imposition of meaningful net neutrality conditions on Cingular and other AT&T wireless networks.

Read the comments

MAP Asks Commission to Address Minority and Women Ownership Issues

October 23, 2006 On behalf of Prometheus Radio Project, Media Access Project filed comments in the FCC's broadcast ownership proceeding, requesting the Commission review proposals to promote minority and women ownership of media outlets. MAP urged the Commission to consider measures that would promote viewpoint diversity by creating incentives for minority and female ownership. MAP also asked the Commission to modify or repeal the outdated and unfair UHF discount.

Read the comments

MAP and Diverse Coalition Urge FCC to Keep Ownership Limits

October 23, 2006 Media Access Project and coalition of public interest, media reform and community media advocates filed comments in the FCC's broadcast ownership proceeding, urging the Commission to protect localism and diversity by retaining the current broadcast ownership limits. "This proceeding is about peoples’ right to receive all sorts of information and opinions from all sorts of people,” said Parul Desai, Assistant Director of Media Access Project. "Without the current rules, a small number of media executives will be in charge of deciding what information the public has a right to receive."

Read the comments

MAP Calls for Increase in DBS Public-Interest Obligations

October 16, 2006 On behalf of the National Hispanic Media Coalition and several other organizations, MAP filed comments requesting the FCC expand the DBS public set-aside requirement from 4 to 7 percent. Congress created the public set-aside on satellite television to provide for the educational and programming needs of under-served minority, ethnic and local communities. MAP urged the Commission "to undertake the promised reassessment of the public interest set-aside to ensure that the public receives the full dividends Congress intended."

Read the comments

MAP Urges FCC to Protect LPFM Access to Airwaves

August 24, 2006 On behalf of Prometheus Radio Project, MAP filed comments with the FCC regarding AM radio stations use of FM translators. MAP asserted that allowing AM radio stations to access the FM band via translators would crowd out current and future LPFM stations, robbing citizens and community groups of an opportunity to provide valuable local programming and information to their communities.

Read the comments

MAP Prevails in Objection to Sale of Radio Stations

August 11, 2006 MAP withdrew its informal objection with FCC, involving the sale of six South Dakota radio stations to Armada Media Corporation. Armada Media has amended its ownership structure to remove an attributable owner currently under federal felony indictment. Although pleased with Armada's decision, MAP remains critical of the Commission's practices for investigating potential licensees.

Read the request for dismissal

MAP Cites Critical Importance of LPFM and Community Wireless in Aftermath of Hurricane Disasters

August 07, 2006 MAP filed comments on behalf of Prometheus Radio Project, Champaign Urbana Wireless, and several others requesting the Commission make it easier for LPFM and community wireless volunteers to set up communication networks in disaster areas. The FCC in response to the destruction of Hurricane Katrina has convened a panel to determine recommendations for enhancing emergency communications during and after a natural disaster. MAP urged the Commission to eliminate unnecessary regulations and obstacles that could impede the deployment of LPFM stations and community wireless networks.

Read the LPFM comments

Read the Community Wireless comments

MAP Appeals CALEA Ruling

July 28, 2006 Together with CDT, Electronic Frontier Foundation, ACLU and others, MAP filed an Petition for Rehearing with the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The petition argues that Congress in 1994, "flatly exempted Internet access and software applications from the reach of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act."

Read the petition

MAP Objects to Sale of Radio Stations in South Dakota

June 20, 2006 MAP filed an informal objection with the FCC, opposing the proposed sale of six South Dakota radio stations from Aberdeen Radio Ranch, Inc. to Armada Media Corporation. An attributable owner of Armada Media, is currently under indictment on three counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of extortion. MAP has requested the Commission withhold action on the sale, until the charges have been resolved.

Read the objection

MAP Wants Accountability for DBS Set-Aside Licensees

June 16, 2006 On behalf of Free Press, MAP issued reply comments with the FCC, regarding the improper use of DBS set-aside by RFD Communications, Inc. RFD's blatant commercial programming violates the Communications Act requirement that programming for which DBS set-aside channels are reserved must be noncommercial in nature. MAP urged the FCC to make certain RFD and other licensees are complying with their public interest obligations.

Read the reply comments

MAP Files Petition to Stop AT&T/BellSouth Merger

June 5, 2006 On behalf of the Center for Digital Democracy, MAP filed a Petition to Deny with the FCC, opposing the merger of AT&T and BellSouth. The merger would threaten Internet freedom and severely limit broadband and wireless competition.

Read the petition

MAP Opposes FCC Rules Favoring Spectrum Speculators

May 31, 2006 MAP filed comments on behalf of New America Foundation and others urging the FCC to abandon proposed rules which would expand spectrum rights of M-LMS licensees in the 900 MHz Band. The band is intensively used by several other services and devices, including Part 15 "unlicensed" devices such as cordless telephones, last mile broadband solutions and critical emergency response equipment. The FCC's proposed rules would reward M-LMS licensees for their inability to deliver service while penalizing unlicensed operation that is effectively using the band to provide essential services to the public.

Read the 900 MHz Comments

MAP Urges Vigorous Enforcement of DBS Set-Aside Requirements

May 22, 2006 MAP filed comments on behalf of media reform group, Free Press, urging the FCC to promptly and vigorously enforce the DBS set-aside requirements for public access channels. Satellite programmers must devote a portion of their channel capacity for non-commercial broadcasting. Recent evidence presented to the FCC establishes that one of these channels, RFD TV, has been abusing its public access rights by broadcasting commercial, non-educational programming. Unless the FCC acts, RFD TV will continue misusing the scarce space set aside for the educational needs of the American public.

Read the RFD Comments

MAP Files on Behalf of Creative Community

May 15, 2006 On behalf of the Center for Creative Voices in Media, MAP filed a Motion to Intervene challenging the FCC's recently released indecency decisions. The vague and confusing nature of these decisions has prompted broadcast licensees to censor artistic programming to ward off any potential penalties. MAP argues that because the FCC's indecency decisions have constrained artistic expression, they interfere with the public's right to access diverse sources of information, as guaranteed by the Communications Act.

Read the Motion to Intervene
Read the Memorandum Supporting the Motion

MAP Reasserts FCC's Authority to Ensure Video Programming Diversity

April 25, 2006 On behalf of a public interest coalition, MAP issued reply comments reasserting the FCC's authority, under Section 612, to ensure diversity of information sources in video programming. MAP's filing defended the published data used as evidence that the 70/70 criteria had been met. MAP also cited the plain language and legislative history surrounding the provision as evidence of the intention to grant FCC such broad authority to ensure diversity.

Read the Section 612 Reply

MAP Urges FCC to Enforce Video Programming Diversity Using "70/70" Test Provision

April 3, 2006 MAP filed comments on behalf of a public interest group coalition urging the FCC to promote video programming diversity using the authority granted in Section 612(g) of the Communications Act. Under the "70/70" criteria of Section 612(g), once 70 percent of American households have cable available to them, and 70 percent of those households become subscribers, the FCC has the authority create rules ensuring diversity of information sources. Numerous studies clearly establish that the "70/70" criteria have been met. If the FCC does not employ their regulatory powers, cable companies will continue to use market dominance to raise prices, lower the quality of customer service, and discriminate against independent programming.

Read the Section 612(g) Comments

MAP Demands FCC Protect Competition and Promote Diversity in Upcoming AWS Spectrum Auction

February 24, 2006 MAP has filed comments on behalf of a public interest coalition demanding that the FCC protect competition as they consider the sale of AWS spectrum. MAP also asks that the FCC consider other steps to facilitate the distribution of licenses to minority and women-owned businesses. Finally MAP urges the FCC to encourage the deployment of wireless services to traditionally undeserved communities.

Read the DES Comments

MAP Demands FCC Consider Public Interest in Digital Transition

February 6, 2006 MAP demands FCC consider cost to public of granting new spectrum rights to broadcasters as part of the digital transition. Before granting broadcasters to increase their coverage using digital television distributed transmission system (DTS) technology, the FCC should complete its pending proceedings on public interest obligations for digital broadcasters and access by the public to broadcast "white spaces."

Read the DTS Comments

MAP Files Comments in Massport/Continental Airlines OTARD Proceeding

January 30, 2006 MAP files comments urging FCC to consider impact on community wireless networks and "last mile" broadband competition when resolving wi-fi fight between Massport and Continental Airlines.

Read the OTARD Comments

MAP Files Replies in Opposition to License Renewals in Chicago and Milwaukee

January 18, 2006 MAP has filed Replies to the Broadcasters' Oppositions to MAP's license renewal challenges in Chicago and Milwaukee. The Replies urge the FCC to conduct a hearing to review the stations' performance and failure to cover non-federal election issues during the 2004 election.

Read the Chicago Reply Comments
Read the Milwaukee Reply Comments

MAP Advocates Open Broadcast Bands

January 17, 2006 MAP filed comments asking the FCC to open use of broadcast bands to everyone, rather than giving special privileges to the nuclear power industry.

Read the comments for Open Broadcast Bands

MAP Files Reply to Opposition in Susquehanna Deal

November 11, 2005 MAP filed comments requesting that the Commission deny Comcast’s Opposition and grant the October 31, 2005 Motion to review the Susquehanna acquisition.

Read the Susquehanna Reply to Opposition

MAP Files Reply Comments in FM Table Allotment Proceeding

November 1, 2005 On behalf of Prometheus Radio Project, MAP filed Reply Comments urging the FCC to act expeditiously to open the long delayed LPFM window for 10-watt LPFM stations and open a new window for 100-watt stations.

Read the Prometheus FM Table Replies

MAP Files Two Petitions to Deny License Renewals in Chicago and Milwaukee

November 1, 2005 MAP has filed two Petitions to Deny license renewal to all commercial broadcasters in the Chicago and Milwaukee markets. MAP monitored all broadcast newscasts one month before the 2004 election to examine coverage of state and local elections. The data was analyzed by a nationally prominent researcher and showed that singly and together, the television stations in Chicago and Milwaukee failed to cover non-federal election issues.

Read the License Challenge Press Release
Read the Chicago Petition to Deny
Read the Milwaukee Petition to Deny

MAP Demands FCC Review Comcast's Susquehanna Deal

October 31, 2005 MAP filed a motion demanding that the FCC include a review of Comcast's latest cable deal to acquire Susquehanna as part of Comcast/Adelphia/Time Warner transaction. The proposed Susquehanna deal would further consolidate Comcast's grip on the Northeast. Increased regional consolidation poses a real threat to democracy as it erodes marketplace competition and concentrates power over quality, price, and content.

Read the Susquehanna Motion

MAP Files On Behalf of LPFM Community and Supporters

August 22, 2005 MAP filed FCC comments for the LPFM Community and supporters proposing changes to FCC rules. These changes would help put more LPFM stations on the air and protect them from encroachment by full power stations.

Read the LPFM Comments

MAP Advocates Strict Cable Ownership Limits

August 15, 2005 MAP filed comments urging the FCC to adopt stringent limitations on the number of cable systems any one company can own. Without these limits, cable owners are free to raise prices, lower the quality of service, and control content, to the detriment of democracy.

Read the "Citizen" Cable Ownership Comments

MAP Files in Support of Community Wireless

August 11, 2005 MAP opposes requests by wireless companies to reopen the March 2005 FCC decision that created public access to airwaves (3650-3700 Mhz). This decision has given local governments the ability to provide internet access to their communities through wireless connections.

Read the Community Wireless Filing

MAP Files Reply Comments Against Comcast/Time Warner/Adelphia Swap

August 8, 2005 On behalf of community media and local governments, MAP has filed comments in the Comcast/Time Warner/Adelphia swap urging the FCC to protect local cable access and local government's ability to stop cable customer abuse.

Read the "Citizen" Reply Comments

MAP Files Two Petitions to Deny in Opposition to Cable Industry Mergers

July 21, 2005 MAP filed two separate Petitions to Deny with the FCC. These petitions oppose the proposed acquisition of bankrupt Adelphia by Comcast and Time Warner, who represent the nation's largest and second largest cable companies. MAP also opposes subsequent system swaps by Comcast and Time Warner to further consolidate their regional monopolies. Should the FCC permit the swaps, MAP demands numerous conditions to ensure deployment of advanced services in minority communities and limits on enhanced market power.

Filings:
"Anti-Redlining" Petition to Deny
  • Demands Comcast and Time Warner carry programming that addresses minority needs, conditions guaranteeing deployment of broadband services on a timely basis to all neighborhoods, and increased employment of Hispanics in decision-making positions.
    • "Citizen" Petition to Deny
  • Argues that concentration of power over media and residential broadband endangers free speech, diverse viewpoints, and the rights of subscribers generally.

    • Archives


    Notes

    CFA/UCC Brief in SBCA v. FCC before the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (7/5/01)

    MAP filed the following brief in the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in the case Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association, et al v. Federal Communications Commission on behalf of Intervenors Consumer Federation of America and United Church Christ Office of Communication, Inc. (Docket numbers 01-1151, 01-1271, 01-1272) To read the full brief click here. (PDF, 195KB)

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    Letter to FTC Concerning AOL Time Warner's Advertising Practices (6/8/01)

    Consumer's Union, the Consumer Federation of America, Media Access Project, and the Center for Digital Democracy wrote the following letter to Federal Trade Commission Chairman, Timothy Muris urging an investigation into the advertising practices of AOL Time Warner. AOL Time Warner have refused to carry advertisements for phone companies trying to promote their DSL Internet services on Time Warner's cable systems.
    To read this letter of CU, et al. click here.

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    EPIC Reply Comments on Location Information Practices (4/24/01)

    MAP filed the following reply comments on behalf of the Electronic Privacy Information Center in support of a Cellular Tellecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) petition before the FCC to establish fair location information practices. To view the comments in PDF format, click here. (41KB)

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    Petition for Rehearing or Rehearing En Banc in Time Warner Entertain ment v. FCC (4/16/01)

    On April 16, 2001 The following Petition of Intervenors Consumer Federation of America, et al. For Rehearing or Rehearing En Banc was filed in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in docket number 94-1035 Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P., et al v. FCC and USA. To view the full petition, click here. (PDF, 100KB)

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    NCTA, et al., and FCC v. Gulf Power, et al. Supreme Court Brief (4/6/01)

    MAP filed the following brief in Supreme Court in the above titled case (Docket numbers 00-832 and 00-843) on behalf of Consumers Union, et al. The full text of the brief is available here. (PDF, 80KB)
    Please note that the pagination of the PDF version does not exactly match that of the actual document

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    EPIC Comments on Location Information Practices (4/6/01)

    MAP filed the following comments on behalf of the Electronic Privacy Information Center in support of a Cellular Tellecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) petition before the FCC to establish fair location information practices. To view the comments in PDF format, click here. (12KB)

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    Response to Emergency Motion of Viacom (3/30/01)

    MAP filed the following response to the Emergency Motion for Interim Relief of Viacom, Inc. and CBS Broadcasting, Inc. A Notice of Intention to Intervene filed on behalf of Consumer Federation of America and Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ, Inc. can be viewed as a PDF here. (55KB) To view the full response of CFA and UCC click here. (PDF, 55KB)

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    MAP filing in FCC Interactive Television Proceeding (3/19/01)

    MAP urges the Federal Communications Commission to require non-discrimination and enforce privacy, children's television, and non-commercial rules. The full filing in PDF format is available here. (PDF, 55KB)

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    Coalition Letter Concerning NTIA Management of the ".us" Domain Space (2/1/01)

    Media Access Project, along with the Benton Foundation and a coalition of public interest and academic organizations send a letter to the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) concerning the government's management of the ".us" domain space. These organizations urged the Commerce Department (of which the NTIA is a part) to think of the public before giving away the United States' cyberspace address, ".us" To read the full text of the letter sent to Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Adminstartor of the NTIA, John F. Sopko, click here. (PDF, 38KB) To read the press release related to this letter, click here. (PDF, 35KB).

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    Brief Filed on behalf of NFCB in National Public Radio v. FCC (1/19/01)

    On January 19, 2001 MAP filed the following brief on behalf of amicus curiae National Federation of Community Broadcasters in US Court of Appeals (DC Circuit) Docket 00-1246 and 00-1255, National Public Radio V. Federal Communications Commission. To read the full text of the brief in PDF format, click here. (48KB)

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    MAP's Allies Submit Comments in FCC's Open Access Inquiry (1/11/01)

    The Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union, which MAP frequently represent, along with the Texas Office of Public Utilities filed comments in the FCC's Inquiry Concerning the High Speed Access to the Internet over Cable and Other Systems. To view the full text of these comments in PDF format, click here.

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    FCC Order Addresses AT&T's 12/15/2000 Letter (12/21/00)

    On December 21, 2000 the FCC released an Order concerning AT&T's 12/15/2000 Letter. To read the FCC's Order, click here. (240KB)

    Letter to FCC Chairman Kennard Concerning AT&T's 12/15/2000 Letter to the FCC (12/20/00)

    Andrew Schwartzman, President and CEO of Media Access Project, sent the following letter to FCC Chairman William Kennard concerning AT&T's December 15, 2000 letter and subsequent correspondence between the FCC and AT&T. Mr. Schwartzman's letter can be read in PDF format here (22KB).

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    Contingent Supplement to Petition for Reconsideration in the AT&T/MediaOne Merger. (12/18/00)

    Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, and Media Access Project filed the following Contingent Supplement in response to a December 15, 2000 letter from AT&T to the FCC. The motion for leave to file the supplement can be viewed as a PDF file here (13KB). The Contingent Suppliment itself can be viewed here (20KB).

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    Emergency Motion for Expedited Ruling in the AT&T/MediaOne Merger. (12/18/00)

    Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, and Media Access Project filed an Emergency Motion in response to a December 15, 2000 Letter from AT&T to the FCC. The complete motion can be viewed in PDF format here (23KB).

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    Comments in the FCC Open Access Notice of Inquiry (12/1/00)

    On December 1, 2000 Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, Center for Media Education, and Media Access Project filed comments in the FCC's Inquiry Concerning High-Speed Access to the Internet Over Cable and Other Facilities, CS Docket #00-185. A full version of the comments can be read in PDF format here. (213KB)

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    Supplement to Petition for Reconsideration in the AT&T/MediaOne proceeding (11/6/00)

    On November 6, 2000 Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, and the Media Access Project file a supplement to their previous Petition for Reconsideration (July 6, 2000). This supplement deals with the most recent developments in this proceeding. To view the suppliment in PDF format click here (53KB). A separate file containing exhibits attached to the supplement is available here. (2MB) A file containing both together is available here (2.1MB).

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    Comments on the Management and Adminstration of the .us Namespace (10/2/00)

    Media Access Project, along with the Benton Foundation submitted comments in the Department of Commerce - National Telecommunications and Information Adminstration's (NTIA) proceeding concerning the management and adminstration of the .us namespace. Included in their comments were the "Principles for Management of the .us Namespace", which were endorsed by MAP, Benton, and 19 other non-profit organizations. To read MAP & Benton's joint press release, click here (24KB). To read the "Priciples" click here (35KB). A complete version of the comments filed at the NTIA in PDF format is available here (74KB).

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    Dual Network Reply Comments (10/2/00)

    On behalf of its clients, UCC, et al., Media Access Project submitted reply comments concerning challenges to the FCC's Dual Networks rule. These reply comments can be viewed as a PDF file here (26KB).

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    Letter to FCC Chairman William Kennard (9/26/00)

    On September 26, 2000, Media Access Project, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and Center for Media Education sent a letter to FCC Chairman William Kennard expressing their concern about the America Online and Time Warner, and its implications for the Internet's open architecture. The letter is available as a PDF file here (27KB).

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    Brief in MediaOne Group, AT&T vs. Henrico County (6/10/00)

    On June 10, 2000 Media Access Project filed a brief on behalf of Amici Curiae Virginia Citizens Consumer Council, Consumer Federation of America, and Center for Media Education in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The entire 35 page brief is can be download here in PDF format (77KB).

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    Petition to Block AOL/Time Warner Merger (4/26/00)

    On April 26, 2000, Media Access Project filed a petition to block the proposed America Online and Time Warner merger on behalf of consumer and citizens' groups. The entire 170 page document is available for download here in PDF format (715KB), or view the press release.

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    Digital Television Reply Comments (4/25/00)

    On April 25, 2000 Media Access Project and the Institute for Public Representation filed Reply Comments about digital broadcasters' public interest obligations in the digital age. Available for download here in PDF format (112KB).

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    Low Power Radio Opposition to Petitions for Reconsideration (4/24/00)

    On April 24, 2000, MAP filed an Opposition to Petitions for Reconsideration urging the FCC to retain its ownership limits on LPFM and not to scale back the service. Available for download here in PDF format (31KB).

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    AT&T/MediaOne and AOL/Time Warner Proceedings (4/11/00)

    Media Access Project filed a motion to consolidate these proceedings on April 11, 2000. Available for download here in PDF format (165KB).

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    Digital Television Comments (3/27/00)

    Media Access Project and the Institute for Public Representation filed comments on March 27, 2000 on digital broadcasters' public interest obligations in the digital age. Available for download here in PDF format (137KB).

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    LPFM Petition for Reconsideration (3/16/00)

    MAP filed a Petition for Reconsideration requesting that the FCC broaden its new low power radio service on March 16, 2000. Available here in PDF format (50KB).

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    Reply in Ownership Proceeding (2/28/00)

    Consumer groups reply to those who opposed its request that the FCC reconsider its ownership rules. 2/28/00. Replies filed about attribution rules (35KB pdf, available here) and cable horizontal ownership (38KB pdf, available here).

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    Testimony before the House Telecom Subcommittee supporting Low Power Radio (2/17/00)

    On February 17, 2000, Dr. Ted Rappaport of Virginia Tech testified before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the US Congress. Full text of his testimony. .

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    Testimony before the FCC in AT&T/MediaOne Merger Meeting (2/4/00)

    Andrew Jay Schwartzman testified on behalf of citizens groups on February 4, 2000 at an open forum at the FCC. Available for download here in pdf format (1061KB).

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    Petitions for Reconsideration of FCC Cable Ownership Rules (1/3/00)

    Consumer groups ask the FCC reconsider its rules on cable horizontal ownership (60KB pdf, available here) and cable attribution rules (92KB pdf, available here) on January 3, 2000.

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    AT&T/MediaOne Comments (12/15/99)

    Consumer groups blast AT&T/MediaOne's assertions that they will be in compliance with new FCC ownership rules. Comments filed with the FCC on December 15, 1999 are available here in a pdf file (103KB).

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    Letter of MAP President & CEO Andrew Jay Schwartzman to FCC Chairman William Kennard on why the AT&T-Mindspring Letter is not "Open Access." (12/9/99)

    Open Access Letter (12/6/99)

    Andrew Schwartzman's December 6, 1999 letter to Chairman Kennard about cable open access in a pdf file (28KB, available here).

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    Low Power Radio Reply Comments (11/15/99)

    On November 15, 1999, Media Access Project filed reply comments with the FCC in the low power radio proceeding. In the technical study which it commissioned through Wireless Valley Communications, MAP shows that low power radio will not cause unacceptable levels of interference to existing FM broadcast stations, contrary to the claims of low power radio opponents.

    MAP's Press Release, Reply Comments and the accompanying Technical Study can be downloaded below:

    • MAP's press release.

    • MAP's low power radio reply comments in pdf format (157 KB, available here) filed with the FCC on November 15, 1999 in MM Docket 99-25.

    • The summary of the technical study in html.

    • The text of the study in a pdf file (188 KB, available here), without attachments.

    • The entire study as filed at the FCC in a zip file (1736 KB, available here), including all technical appendices, except for the City Maps.

    • Ten City Maps in a zip file (2105 KB, available here) which show the possible locations of low power stations in urban areas (2105KB).

    • Read about Wireless Valley Communications engineer Dr. Theodore Rappaport, who conducted this study.

    Additional technical materials are available:

    • The spreadsheets which simulate results of LP100, LP10 and LP1 stations (188KB, available here).

    • The computer program used to create these results (source code) (56KB, available here).

    • The compiled code, used to run the computer program (executables) (284KB, available here).

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    AT&T v. Portland (9/14/99)

    Consumer And Citizen Groups File Brief Supporting Open Access

    On September 14, 1999 Media Access Project and its co-counsel at Furth, Fahrner & Mason filed an amicus curiae brief in the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit supporting broadband open access for cable. Its clients are The Utility Reform Network (TURN), Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Action, Utility Consumer Action Network and the Oregon Citizens Utility Board. Download the brief here in pdf format (219KB).

    Much more about information about broadband is available at nogatekeepers.org.

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