NETW 584 Telecom Laws and Regulations All Discussions

 

 

Week 1

Week 1 DQ 1

What gives the federal government the right to regulate the Telecommunications arena, and what is the purpose of laws and regulations. Do you think we need laws and regulation in the telecommunications field at all? Why or why not? 

 

Week 1 DQ 2

What is the role of the FCC in the Telecommunications field? What is the purpose for the creation of the governing statute for the regulation of telecommunications in the United States (the Communications Act of 1934)? Why was it necessary for the federal government to create the FCC? What are the pros and cons to this approach by the federal government? Do you agree with this regulatory approach or was there a better methodology you would have employed? What are the pros and cons in your mind to this approach to the regulation of Telecommunications? 

 

 

Week 2

Week 2 DQ 1

Do you think broadcast stations should operate under the Public Trustee doctrine? 

 

Week 2 DQ 2

Based on your understanding of “natural monopolies,” do you think the cable industry today should be considered a natural monopoly? Why or why not? (Based on your reading, research and analysis in the textbook, and other relevant sources) 

 

 

Week 3

Week 3 DQ 1

Was regulation an alternative to competition in the early years of the telephone industry? Do you think regulation and/or competition in the early years of the telephone industry served the “best interest” of consumers, why or why not? 

 

Week 3 DQ 2

T. Vail believed that his company, AT&T, should be considered a natural monopoly. What were his arguments, do you agree or disagree, why or why not? 

 

 

Week 4

Week 4 DQ 1

What are some of the major provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996? What was the fundamental goal and purpose of the provisions in the Act? 

 

Week 4 DQ 2

VoIP has been the subject of several FCC NPRMs (Notice of Proposed Rule Making). What is VoIP and why does it present a regulatory challenge? 

 

 

Week 5

Week 5 DQ 1

What are some of the major policies and provisions under the 1996 Act in regards to unbundled network elements (UNEs), interconnection, and BOC entry into long distance telephony? 

 

Week 5 DQ 2

What are some of the major provisions, principles, and changes in regards to funding mechanisms for universal service under the 1996 Act? 

 

 

Week 6

Week 6 DQ 1

To what extent should there be regulation of content on the Internet, if at all? What factors and principles should the federal government take into account when considering indecency regulation issues? 

 

Week 6 DQ 2

How has the FCC functioned as an “enabler” and “promoter” for the development of “advanced telecommunications services”?

 

 

 

Week 7

Week 7 DQ 1

What are some of the historical and current considerations by the Commission in regards to the allowance of mergers in the telecommunications industry? 

 

Week 7 DQ 2

What were some of the principal reasons why the FCC approved the mergers of SBC Communications, Inc. with AT&T Corp. and Verizon Communications Inc. with MCI, Inc.?