Article Abstract:
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposes with a 5-0 vote to create a separate broadcast channel for high-definition television (HDTV), which would be available solely to existing broadcasters. The proposal calls for broadcasters to transmit conventional television signals simultaneously on a different channel; customers with HDTV sets could pick up the second, HDTV signal. The plan, which is subject to public comment before it is finalized, ties up a greater portion of the airwaves to television and prevents new broadcasters and police and emergency department from using two-way radio communications in those frequencies. The FCC will select an HDTV transmission standard by mid-1993, after which time broadcasters will have three years to apply for the extra channel and two years to build transmission equipment.
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Article Abstract:
The U.S. House of Representatives' Democratic leadership is counterattacking the Bush administration's commercial policy and drafting legislation that will promote U.S. development of technology, including high-definition television (HDTV). The bill calls for the creation of a national commission on HDTV and provides $50 million in Pentagon funding for the technology. The bill also includes $100 million for a new Commerce Department program that will aid advanced technologies and $200 million in loan guarantees for small businesses doing high-technology work. Government involvement in the development of high technology raises many political issues and debates; the Bush administration advocates a hands-off approach and the Democrats advocate more government involvement.
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Article Abstract:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) votes 5-0 to adopt rules aimed to reduce rates for international telephone calls and to increase competition in international telecommunications markets. The FCC will allow rental of international cable or satellite services for use by services that want to call the US, but companies that participate must provide a similar arrangement for US companies. According to FCC Chmn Alfred Sikes, this plan will encourage European Postal, Telegraph and Telephone Administrations (PTTs) to lower artificially high prices and rates.
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