Article Abstract:
The Federal Communications Commission has delayed the final approval of America Online (AOL)'s merger with Time Warner. The reason for the delay is over whether to open AOL's instant messaging to rivals. Democrat Gloria Tristani feels that AOL should be compelled to allow userrs of its dominant instant messaging service to chat with those using similar services. On the other hand, Republican commissioners Michael Powell and Harold Furchgott-Rott feel that the linkup does not affect instant messaging and want an approval of the merger without conditions on the service.
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Article Abstract:
America Online Inc (AOL) announced on May 22, 2001 that it is increasing its monthly fee for unlimited access by $1.95 to $23.90. The 9% rise will be effective in July, affecting around 85% of the company's over 23 million subscribers in the US. In justifying the increase, AOL explained that it needs to pay the $3.5 billion cost of improving its service since 1998 and to fund future upgrades. Since 1998, the Internet service provider has expanded its network to include 17 million new costumers and a 50% increase in average member usage to 70 min per day.
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Article Abstract:
The National Assn of Broadcasters and the Assn for Maximum Service Television on Jan 15, 2001 passed a resolution supporting the existing digital television standard called 8vsb. The two industry groups cited 'insufficient evidence' to switch to a different standard, such as COFDM, backed by some broadcasters. With federal regulators expected to follow suit, the breakthroughs could speed up the development of the market, which has been hampered owing to uncertainty over technical standards.
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