FCC Provides More Funding For A-CAM Carriers

FCC Provides More Funding For A-CAM Carriers

Tony Veach
Broadband, USF

The Federal Communications Commission has released a Report and Order, Third Order on Reconsideration, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that continue the FCC’s efforts to reform the high-cost universal service fund support mechanism rules that apply to rate-of-return carriers. In the Report and Order, the FCC has decided to increase funding for the Alternative Connect America Cost Model, so that all locations with costs above $52.50 per location will be funded up to a per-location cap of $146.10.

Texas Court Rejects ISP’s Attempt to Dismiss Copyright Infringement Lawsuit – Grande Communications is Latest Broadband Provider Entangled in DMCA Litigation

Texas Court Rejects ISP’s Attempt to Dismiss Copyright Infringement Lawsuit – Grande Communications is Latest Broadband Provider Entangled in DMCA Litigation

Tony Veach
DMCA, Broadband, Copyright, ISPs

A Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, has issued a report and recommendation that rules on two motions to dismiss in UMG Recordings, Inc., et al., v. Grande Communications Networks, LLC, and Patriot Media Consulting, LLC. The case concerns a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by a vast group of owners of copyrighted music against Grande Communications, an Internet service provider located in Texas. Grande’s consultant is also named as a defendant in the suit. The pleadings and the Magistrate’s report address many of the same Digital Millennium Copyright Act issues involved in the Fourth Circuit’s recent decision in BMG v. Cox Communications.

Another Broadband Provider Battles DMCA Lawsuit - UMG Recordings v. Grande Communications

Another Broadband Provider Battles DMCA Lawsuit - UMG Recordings v. Grande Communications

Tony Veach
DMCA, Broadband, Copyright

Another Internet service provider is embroiled in a DMCA-related copyright infringement lawsuit brought by content owners and their copyright hitman Rightscorp. And, there is a neat twist to this lawsuit – the broadband provider’s consultant was also named as a defendant. The case is UMG Recordings, Inc., et al., v. Grande Communications Networks, LLC, and Patriot Media Consulting, LLC, and a U.S. Magistrate Judge recently issued a report and recommendation ruling on the defendants’ motions to dismiss. The pleadings and the Magistrate’s report address many of the same issues involved in the Fourth Circuit’s recent decision in BMG v. Cox Communications.

Following Fourth Circuit Decision in BMG v. Cox, Rightscorp Issues Warning to Every ISP in The U.S.

Following Fourth Circuit Decision in BMG v. Cox, Rightscorp Issues Warning to Every ISP in The U.S.

Tony Veach
DMCA, Copyright, Broadband, ISPs

Rightscorp, Inc. has issued a press release commenting on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in BMG v Cox Communications, in which the Court affirmed a district court ruling that Cox is not entitled to a DMCA safe harbor defense but remanded the case for a new trial due to erroneous jury instructions. Rightscorp played an important part in the case, acting as BMG’s copyright enforcement agent and providing much of the evidence that doomed Cox. Rightscorp’s press release warns ISPs of a vast amount of data documenting infringements.

Fourth Circuit: No DMCA Safe Harbor For Cox, But New Trial Due To Error In Jury Instructions Concerning Contributory Infringement Standard

Fourth Circuit: No DMCA Safe Harbor For Cox, But New Trial Due To Error In Jury Instructions Concerning Contributory Infringement Standard

Tony Veach
DMCA, Copyright, Broadband

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has released its decision in BMG v Cox Communications, an appeal involving secondary liability for copyright infringement. The case has been closely followed by Internet service providers, the content industry, attorneys, academics, and copyright and cyberlaw experts – generally anyone interested in copyright and the Internet. The Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling that Cox is not entitled to a DMCA safe harbor defense, but remanded the case for a new trial because the lower court incorrectly instructed the jury on the standard for contributory infringement.

FCC Says “We Are Back On The Right Track” – 2018 Broadband Report Declares Broadband Is Being Adequately Deployed To All Americans (But 24 Million Americans Lack 25/3 Mbps Broadband)

FCC Says “We Are Back On The Right Track” – 2018 Broadband Report Declares Broadband Is Being Adequately Deployed To All Americans (But 24 Million Americans Lack 25/3 Mbps Broadband)

Tony Veach
Broadband

The Federal Communications Commission has released the 2018 Broadband Progress Report, the first such report under Chairman Ajit Pai. For the first time since 2008 report, the FCC has concluded that broadband is being deployed on a reasonable and timely basis all Americans. That positive conclusion, however, comes with the following stipulation – the finding does not undermine the FCC’s continued commitment to closing the digital divide.

Chairman Pai Proposes Using Over $500 Million In Funding To Promote Rural Broadband Deployment – Part I

Chairman Pai Proposes Using Over $500 Million In Funding To Promote Rural Broadband Deployment – Part I

Tony Veach
Broadband, USF

According to a recent news release, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai has circulated an Order that will allocate over $500 million to promote rural broadband deployment. While the news release offers only general information on a few aspects of the item, presumably the FCC will use broadband reserve funds to address the current shortfall in high-cost universal service fund support.

Load More