Ruling frees phone concerns to enter cable TV business
Article Abstract:
Judge T.S. Ellis of the United States District Court in Alexandria, VA, overturns a provision of the Cable Act of 1984 that has effectively prevented local telephone companies from offering cable television services. The provision in question did not totally prohibit telephone companies from offering cable TV, but did prohibit them from owning the programming they offered. Phone companies have not found it cost effective to upgrade their systems to carry cable programming as a result. They would like to begin implementing high-speed fiber optic networks now, however, to provide both interactive cable and new data-intensive computer communications services. Judge Ellis makes his ruling on First Amendment grounds, arguing that the Congressionally imposed restriction violates the phone companies's freedom of speech. Though only Bell Atlantic Corp brought the suit, the ruling would seem to apply to any local telephone company that wishes to begin providing cable service.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1993
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'Baby Bell' fights cable law, citing right to free speech
Article Abstract:
Bell Atlantic Corp files a lawsuit alleging that its right to free speech is violated by a law that prevents telephone companies from owning cable television programming. The law allows telephone companies to transmit television programming over their networks, but prohibits them from owning services. Cable companies oppose lifting the ban, saying phone companies might monopolize services and interfere with competition. Phone companies say it will be more difficult for them to invest in a fiber-optic infrastructure if they are deprived of opportunities to make money. Bell companies are currently involved in a political controversy involving their right to own providers of information services. Congress is considering legislation that would bar telephone companies from owning such services.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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Intelsat is suing Marietta; $400 million sought over lost satellite
Article Abstract:
Intelsat, which provides most of the world's international satellite services, sues Martin Marietta Corp. Intelsat wants to recover more than $400 million in losses that resulted from a satellite launching in Mar 1990. Martin Marietta acknowledges that a failure in the launch was caused by a miswired computer aboard its rocket. In consequence of the malfunction, the launch vehicle's second stage did not separate and orbit was not achieved. Intelsat accuses Marietta of failing to carry out proper pre-launching testing, failure to coordinate employees working on different aspects of the launching, and providing false and misleading information about its state of readiness. Marietta denies liability.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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