AT&T has sent a cool response to the Vuze Corporation's "Plug-In" survey of ISPs, ranked by their median rate of TCP reset activity: "Given that Vuze itself has recognized these problems with the measurements generated by its Plug-In, we believe that Vuze should not have published these misleading measurements, nor filed them with the [Federal Communications Commission]." So AT&T Vice President Charles Kalmanek Jr. wrote to Vuze CEO Gilles BianRosa, following the P2P content provider's FCC filing last week. And AT&T insists that it does not insert false reset signals into P2P packets.

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National Public Radio continues to move aggressively against Federal Communications Commission proposals that would, if not allow nonprofits to build more Low Power FM stations (LPFM), at least let existing ones survive the intrusion of new full power neighbors. NPR is quite plain about the matter in its FCC filings: it stands opposed to the Low Power exceptions, even though they might help keep FM offerings diverse. NPR charges that the FCC is putting feel-good policies ahead of the laws of physics.

"The laws of physics have not changed, and a system of full power broadcast stations serves many more listeners with less interference compared to low power broadcasting," NPR told the FCC this month. "While LPFM stations may advance the interests of localism and diversity, the Commission cannot assume that LPFM is inherently better than full power service."

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A coalition of European and United States-based consumer organizations have called for their respective governments to adopt net neutrality-oriented telecommunications policies. "Net neutrality is a state in which users have the freedom to access the content, services, applications, and devices of their choice," resolved the Trans-Atlantic Consumer Dialog (TACD) in a declaration issued recently. TACD represents 65 groups in Europe and the United States, including Public Knowledge, which helped to produce the document.

"The adoption by an influential organization such as TACD of Net Neutrality principles is a strong indication that consumers around the world are concerned about the dangers of having large communications companies controlling the Internet," declared Gigi B. Sohn, president of Public Knowledge. "We commend TACD on taking this bold stand in favor of protecting the Internet." . . . more

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed almost $4 million in fines to seven major retailers for "willfully and repeatedly" selling analog-only TV sets without labels that warn consumers that the devices may not work after February 17, 2009—the last day of analog broadcasting. The scofflaws include the Sears-Roebuck/K-Mart group, which received a fine of $1.096 million; Wal-Mart, hit with a $992,000 forfeit; and CompUSA, which took the lowest penalty at $168,000.

Ironically, some of these retail giants have repeatedly filed statements with the FCC assuring the agency that they take their digital transition (DTV) obligations with the utmost seriousness. Fry's, Circuit City, Best Buy, and Target also received fines, bringing the total up to $3,928,000. All seven retailers can appeal the decision. . . . more

A government report on broadcast media ownership released Friday concludes that television stations broadcasting in specific markets tend to offer more local news for those areas than the national networks.

"With cable and satellite service, the public can receive programming from nationwide outlets, such as CNN and FOX News, and television stations in adjacent markets," concludes the Government and Accountability Office's (GAO) new study. "However, media outlets located in a market are more likely to provide local news, public affairs, and political programming addressing the needs of residents in that market, such as coverage of local political campaigns, compared to nationwide and adjacent-market outlets." . . . more

If you happen to be in the San Francisco/Silicon Valley region this Thursday, you might want to check out the FCC's second hearing on Internet network management, to be held at everyone's favorite educational theme park for the hyper-rich: Stanford University. The speakers for the event's two panels have not been named, but the names of the panels have been named: "Network Management and Consumer Expectations" and "Consumer Access to Emerging Internet Technologies and Applications." . . . more

I'm enjoying the Federal Trade Commission's about "phishing"—Web sites that try to trick you into disclosing information about your bank account, social security number, security passwords and such so they can steal your identity and rob you silly. The little skits are simple and funny. And the fat phishy guy is sort of cute with his fin getting in the way of his efforts to rob people in person.

Mr. Phish's attempt to snooker a business executive in her office is especially funny.

"Something here doesn't seem . . . right," she says as he waits for her to give him her bank account password.

"What?" he asks innocently.

"I can't quite put my finger on it!" she exclaims.