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The FCC began its Notice of Inquiry to create a National Broadband Plan. A plan to roll out a nationwide, broadband grid is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which requires the FCC to develop “the most effective and efficient ways to ensure broadband access for all Americans.” FCC interim commissioner Michael Copps noted that “If we do our job well, this will be the most formative—indeed transformative—proceeding ever in the Commission’s history.”
Politicians are beginning to lobby against Time Warner Cable’s decision to charge users by the amount of bandwidth consumed. NY Congressman Eric Massa, who represents Corning, NY, which is near Rochester, one of the cities TWC is testing tiered broadband plans, noted that “at a time when access to information is driving our economic recovery, Time Warner is moving to stagnate the 21st Century technology needed to rebuild America.” While technically there is nothing legislators can do to regulate TWC’s actions, this sort of tiered payment platform could give competitors like Verizon and AT&T a leg up on TWC.
According to AdAge, YouTube is now selling advertising on 9% of all US video views. While YouTube has yet to develop a profitable business plan, a spokesman noted that it is placing ads around more videos that its nearest competitor, MySpace, has total views. YouTube ad sales are up 3% over last year.
Apple is being sued over its touchscreen feature by Taiwanese company Elan Microelectronics. Elan’s lawsuit alleges that Apple’s MacBook, iPhone and iPod touch infringe on two patents that Elan has the rights to. Apple refused to comment on the patent infringement suit.
Rather than waiting until Summer, ABC is launching some off-season shows at the end of May. The network will begin airing episodes of The Bachelorette, Here Come The Newlyweds and Wipeout, as well as The Goode Family, before other networks begin their Summer schedules.