BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. In the Matter of Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services WC Docket No. 16-106 Reply Comments of
Caution Needed When Building Digital Bridges
When one thinks about infrastructure, roads and bridges usually come to mind. These structures not only carry physical vehicles; they also provide the capacity to run wires above ground for telecommunications systems. These systems can also be built underground, and in the case of wireless broadband communications, ride over spectrum across the airwaves. Many new technologies therefore run across new bridges to bring information across the country. And when taxpayer dollars are involved, the “construction” of these services should proceed with caution.
At Age 21, Telecommunications Act Needs to Grow Up
On February 8, 2017, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 turns 21 years old. Some might say, “Oh, here is a law that has stood the test of time.” But they would be wrong. Enacted 12 years after the breakup of the Baby Bell companies, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was written to promote competition in […]
House Passage of the Email Privacy Act
On February 6, 2017, increased privacy for emails took a step forward with the House passage of H.R. 387, the Email Privacy Act. This legislation provides a much-needed update to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), and extends the legal requirements of warrants to email communications stored by cloud services providers. ECPA was enacted in […]
CCAGW Comments to House Judiciary Committee on Copyright Proposal
January 31, 2017
Modernizing Federal Information Technology
President Trump has made it clear that he wants to make significant changes in how government programs are managed. One of the best sources of the worst examples of wasteful spending for the president and his team is the Government Accountability Office (GAO) High Risk List, which every two years identifies agencies and program areas that are vulnerable to waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. In GAO’s 2015 report, improving the management of information technology (IT) acquisitions and operations made the high risk list for the very first time. According to the report, “federal IT investments too frequently fail or incur cost overruns and schedule slippages while contributing little to mission-related outcomes.”
CAGW Statement on Designation of Commissioner Ajit Pai as FCC Chair
On January 23, 2017, it was announced that President Trump has designated Ajit Pai as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The following statement can be attributed to CAGW President Tom Schatz upon learning of this designation: Citizens Against Government Waste has had a productive working relationship with Commissioner Pai, and look forward to […]
TV Blackouts on the Rise Again
Cable subscribers across the country may be wondering what is going on when they receive notices across their screens threatening the potential loss of one channel or another. The comments encourage the viewer to contact their local cable or satellite operator if they want to continue watching their favorite shows, making it appear that only […]
Email Privacy Legislation Reintroduced in the House
Advances in technology over the past 30 years have rendered the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), the law that established the standards for government access to private electronic communications, out of date. ECPA was enacted in 1986, long before individuals and companies connected with each other electronically and stored information through email and in the […]
Fixing the FCC
The peaceful transfer of power to a new administration has been a key part of the nation’s history. This is particularly important when there is a change in parties at the White House.