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Yesterday almost 40% of television stations in the United States made the switch from analog to digital signal. Despite a delay from the government, the transition went off without a hitch. Most major broadcasters are still set to cut their analog signals on June 12th, 2009.
After getting complaints about changes to its terms of service, Facebook has reverted back to using its old terms of service. The social network also started a Group called “Facebook Bill of Rights”, which will allow users to “to give input and suggestions on Facebook’s Terms of Use.”
For the first time in three months, the Screen Actors Guild and the AMPTP are in negotiations. SAG’s chief negotiator is now John McGuire, who has kick started talks and rumors that a deal could be reached soon. SAG has a meeting scheduled for Saturday, which analysts believe could be designed to pass a tentative deal.
The Copyright Royalty Board and NAB have reached a deal that may save Internet Radio. According to the AP, the new deal lowers the royalty rate by 16%. The new rates will have web radio stations paying $1.50 per song heard by 1000 listeners, with rates rising to $2.50/thousand in 2015. While this is good for webcasters, the deal does not bode well for the Digital Media Association, which represents Pandora, RealNetworks and MTV.
Verizon will tap Ericson and Alcatel-Lucent to build its fourth generation wireless network in the United States. The two companies are scheduled to begin work on the project soon, with consumer service scheduled to be available in 2010.
Nokia and Qualcomm have revealed plans to develop mobile phones in North America. The long time competitors, who recently settled a patent dispute, will begin rolling out next-generation mobile handsets beginning in the second half of 2010. The joint venture will be the first time Nokia has ever used Qualcomm chips in a mobile device.