What’s All This Fuss about Lifeline? It may not be what you think.

Sometimes, when I start writing pieces like this, I write an outline and just put the whole document together. Other times, like for this piece, I have rewritten the outline 4 times, as I learned more and have found that the issues that have forced Lifeline into the spotlight are not always what they appear—at least to outsiders. The focus also keeps changing.  There are so many issues at multiple levels at play here that it’s tough to know not only where to begin, but where the matter is going.

Click to read more ...

Legally & Practically: What Avaya's Chapter 11 Means to Customers

As Avaya comes before the bankruptcy judge today in its second major court appearance since filing for Chapter 11 protection on Jan. 19, it's hoping that the final orders will be approved and "negotiations will begin in earnest," as Avaya's John Sullivan, VP or corporate treasury, shared with No Jitter Editor Beth Schultz (and she related to me). However, the company recognizes that the just-formed unsecured creditor group may request, and be granted, more time.

Click to read more ...

Hacked Recordings Put Inmate Calling Systems on Trial

The twists and turns that occur in the telecom legal world are varied and fascinating.
Most telecom litigation doesn't make for great cocktail party patter (and it is that season), but the case I read about last week is not only interesting, but appropriate for all audiences. Most importantly, it shines a bright light onto an oft-ignored regulatory realm for communications law junkies. Prepare to be captivated.

Click to read more ...

FCC Champions Consumer Privacy

With the FCC's new privacy rules for broadband, providers are held to stricter standards for protecting consumer data.
The FCC in its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at the end of Oct., approved new privacy rules for providers of broadband Internet access service. The new rules are, in part, a result of the classification of broadband services as “common carrier” services in the 2015 Open Internet Order, thus moving consumer issues from the regulatory realm of the Federal Trade Commission to that of the Federal Communications Commission.

Click to read more ...

OSHA Takes a Stand on Distracted Drivers

To pick up on a theme from last week's "When Texting Is a Bad Thing" post from SCTC consultant Art Yonemoto, too many of us get lured into communicating while we’re driving or otherwise distracted when we know better.  Desensitized as we are to the "don’t be a distracted driver message," the fact is that the number one cause of workplace fatalities is distracted driving and/or operation of complex machinery or processes,  It’s all about messaging, talking and game playing, and it’s crazy dangerous... particularly since we can’t tell who is doing what in the car next to us on the highway. Yup… the one that’s whizzing by at 65 mph or faster.

Click to read more ...