Teleconmmunications Issues for Local Governments

A Live 90-Minute Telephone Conference with an Interactive Q&A Session Conducted on February 26, 2004 Now available on CD Presented by International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) and Municipal Litigation Reporter

Listen from your home, car or from your office as our expert panelists update you on the current state of the law and offer guidance to help protect your constituents’ interest in accessing these emerging technologies and prevent threats to critical local revenue sources.

Speakers for this teleconference included:

Avoiding 'Prohibiting' Wireline and Wireless Telecom Services
James Hobson, Miller & Van Eaton, Washington, DC
Mr. Hobson will discuss FCC and judicial constructions of the prohibition language in Sections 332(c)(7) and 253 of the Communications Act. He will also address the degree of risk that a finding of prohibition could subject local governments to damages and attorney's fees under 42 U.S.C.sec. 1983.

Regulation of Emerging Technologies
Brian Grogan, Moss & Barnett, Minneapolis, MN
Mr. Grogan will answer critical questions regarding Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP). What role will cities play in regulating VOIP? If a telecommunications company provides video over twisted pair wire, can cities impose a cable franchise fee? As cable operators offer VOIP and high speed services, does the existing cable franchise govern?

Update on Cable Modem and Related Issues
Tillman Lay, Miller Canfield, Washington DC
Mr. Lay, representing the Alliance of Local Officials Against Preemption, will provide an update on the ALOAP’s challenge to the FCC’s action in overturning state and local regulation of cable modem services.

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