10/16. President Bush signed into law HR 7222 [LOC | WW], the "Andean Trade Preference Act Extension". He also urged the Congress to pass bills that would implement other pending free trade agreements (FTAs).

The Congress has not approved the US Korea FTA. See, story titled "US and Korea Announce FTA" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,559, April 2, 2007. See also, text of the agreement, and particularly, sections regarding telecommunications [17 pages in PDF], electronic commerce [4 pages in PDF], intellectual property rights [35 pages in PDF].

House Democratic leaders oppose the US Korea FTA. See, story titled "House Democrats Signal End of FTAs" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,606, July 6, 2007.

The Congress has not approved the US Columbia FTA. See, text of the agreement, and particularly, sections regarding telecommunications [15 pages in PDF], electronic commerce [3 pages in PDF], intellectual property rights [33 pages in PDF].

Nor has the Congress approved the US Panama FTA. See, text of the agreement, and sections regarding telecommunications [15 pages in PDF], electronic commerce [3 pages in PDF], intellectual property rights [32 pages in PDF].

However, late last year, in the First Session of the 110th Congress, the Congress approved HR 3688 [LOC | WW], the "United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act". See also, text of the agreement, and sections regarding telecommunications [15 pages in PDF], electronic commerce [3 pages in PDF], intellectual property rights [33 pages in PDF].

President Bush stated on October 16, 2008, that "Congress is coming back to Washington next month. One of their top priorities should be to approve this vital agreement with Colombia -- as well as with Panama and South Korea."

Bush also argued that "These free trade agreements will strengthen our relationships with key allies. They will create new opportunities for our consumers and businesses. They will reassure our trading partners that America will not give in to pessimism or protectionism. They will show that we honor our commitments."

See, statement by President Bush at signing ceremony. See also, White House news office release on US Columbia FTA.

10/10. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (OUSTR) announced in a release that on October 10, 2008, representatives of the U.S. and Singapore "held their fourth annual Free Trade Agreement (FTA) review".

10/10. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (OUSTR) announced in a release that trade representatives of the U.S. and other nations met in Tokyo, Japan, on October 8-9, 2008, to discuss the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). The OUSTR wrote that "Participants reaffirmed their goal to combat global infringements of intellectual property rights, particularly in the context of counterfeiting and piracy, by increasing international cooperation, strengthening the framework of practices that contribute to effective enforcement, and strengthening relevant IPR enforcement measures themselves." The OUSTR added that "The discussion at this meeting focused on criminal enforcement of IPR. Participants also continued their previous discussions of civil enforcement of IPR. Participants made steady progress in these discussions, and decided to continue their work at another substantive meeting to be held at a mutually convenient time in the near future." The participating nations were Australia, Canada, European Union, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States. See also, stories titled "Senators Ask USTR Not to Negotiate Too Broad an ACTA" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,837, October 2, 2008, "OUSTR Holds Meeting Regarding ACTA" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No 1,830, September 23, 2008, and "OUSTR to Hold Meeting on Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No 1,828, September 19, 2008.

10/15. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) released a report [146 pages in PDF] titled "Evaluation of the Performance of Prototype TV-Band White Space Devices Phase II".

White space is a term used to describe broadcast television spectrum where the spectrum is not in use by broadcasters.

The FCC also released a document [PDF] on October 15 that states the FCC will hold an event titled "Open Meeting" on November 4, 2008, at which it will consider "A Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order addressing unlicensed operation in the television broadcast bands".

The just released report states that "we believe that the burden of ``proof of concept´´ has been met. We are satisfied that spectrum sensing in combination with geo-location and database access techniques can be used to authorize equipment today under appropriate technical standards and that issues regarding future development and approval of any additional devices, including devices relying on sensing alone, can be addressed."

The FCC adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on May 13, 2004, regarding use by unlicensed devices of broadcast television spectrum where the spectrum is not in use by broadcasters. The FCC released the text [38 pages in PDF] of this item on May 25, 2004. That NPRM is FCC 04-113 in ET Docket Nos. 04-186 and 02-380. See also, story titled "FCC Adopts NPRM Regarding Unlicensed Use of Broadcast TV Spectrum" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 898, May 14, 2004; and story titled "FCC Releases NPRM Regarding Unlicensed Use of TV Spectrum" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 905, May 26, 2004.

The FCC adopted a Report and Order (R&O) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in this proceeding on October 12, 2006. It released the text [43 pages in PDF] on October 18, 2006. That item is FCC 06-156 in ET Docket Nos. 04-186 and 02-380. See, story titled "FCC Adopts Order and FNPRM Regarding TV White Space" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,467, October 12, 2006.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), whose members' white space is to be used by these unlicensed devices, has long opposed this use.

The NAB's Dennis Wharton stated in a release that "It would appear that the FCC is misinterpreting the actual data collected by their own engineers ... Any reasonable analysis of the OET report would conclude that unlicensed devices that rely solely on spectrum sensing threaten the viability of clear television reception."

Ed Black, head of the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), stated in a release that "We are optimistic the voice of reason will now rise above the static in Washington to harvest the static between the broadcast stations. White spaces are likely the last best chance to make wireless spectrum available broadly that promotes universal access and robust competition."

The FCC's report is OET Report FCC/OET 08-TR-1005.

10/15. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein spoke about child obesity and restricting interactive ads that target children at an event in Nashville, Tennessee.

He complained about "hyper-commercialism" in his statement [PDF]. He also said that "While FCC does not play such a direct role, we have a key role to play when it comes to the impact of the media on obesity. We need to step up to the plate and act where we have authority, for example, in addressing the use of interactive ads on television, or host-selling during children’s programming, or the sometimes misleading sponsorship or integration of unhealthy foods into programming intended for children."

Adelstein (at right) continued that "we need to act quickly on the 2004 Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on how to implement sensible restrictions on interactive ads targeting children. We tentatively concluded then that interactive ads targeting children should be banned. With the growing convergence of TV and the Internet, we need to set the rules before interactive advertising becomes an established business model."

The FCC adopted a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making on September 9, 2004, in its proceeding on the children's television obligations of digital television broadcasters. It released the text [54 pages in PDF] on November 23, 2004. It is FCC 04-221 in MM Docket No. 00-167.

See also, story titled "FCC Adopts Report and Order Re Children's Programming Obligations of DTV Broadcasters" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 975, September 13, 2004.

The FCC's 2004 R&O and FNPRM did not prohibit interactive links in children's programming, but tentatively concluded that the FCC should "prohibit interactivity during children's programming that connects viewers to commercial matter". It also asked for comments on this subject.

This item states that "for the time being we have decided not to prohibit the appearance of direct, interactive, links to commercial Internet sites in children’s programming, as this technology is currently not being used in children's programming. Nonetheless, we are aware that the inclusion of interactive technology in television programming is on the horizon. We encourage broadcasters to develop interactive services that enhance the educational value of children's programming. With the benefits of interactivity, however, come potential risks that children will be exposed to additional commercial influences. Accordingly, we seek comment on how to tailor our rules to allow innovation in interactivity in children's television programming, while at the same time ensuring that parents can control what information their children can access." (Footnote omitted. Paragraph 71.)

This item also states that "We tentatively conclude that we should prohibit interactivity during children's programming that connects viewers to commercial matter unless parents “opt in” to such services. We seek comment on how such a rule could be implemented technologically. We also seek comment on how we would implement such a rule in terms of the statutory limits on commercial time." (Paragraph 72.)

FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell delivered brief comments at the same event.

10/10. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Media Bureau adopted and released a redacted order [PDF] in its proceedings on numerous program access complaints. It concludes that complainants made prima facie showing that the cable companies violated FCC rules, but referred further proceedings to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

First, this order refers to an ALJ the complaints filed by Herring Broadcasting, Inc., dba WealthTV, against Time Warner Cable Inc. (TWC), Bright House Networks, LLC (BHN), Cox Communications, Inc. (Cox), and Comcast Corporation (Comcast) alleging violation of Section 76.1301(c) of the FCC's rules.

The order concludes that WealthTV has established prima facie showings that TWC, BHN, Cox, and Comcast have discriminated against WealthTV in violation of the FCC's program carriage rules.

This same FCC order refers to an ALJ NFL Enterprises, Inc.'s program carriage complaint against Comcast.

It states that "We find that the NFL has presented sufficient evidence to make a prima facie showing that Comcast indirectly and improperly demanded a financial interest in the NFL's programming in exchange for carriage. We further find that the pleadings and documentation present several factual disputes as to whether Comcast’s retiering of the NFL Network is the result of Comcast's failure to obtain a financial interest in the NFL’s programming. Accordingly, we direct an Administrative Law Judge to hold a hearing, issue a recommended decision on the facts underlying the financial interest claim and a recommended remedy, if necessary, and then return the matter to the Commission within 60 days."

Finally, this FCC order refers to an ALJ TCR Sports Broadcasting Holding, LLP, dba Mid-Atlantic Sports Network's (MASN) program carriage complaint against Comcast.

It states that "we find that MASN has established a prima facie case in the above-referenced case under Section 76.1301(c). We also find that the pleadings and supporting documentation present several factual disputes as to whether Comcast discriminated against MASN in favor of its affiliated services. Accordingly, we direct the ALJ to make and return a Recommended Decision to the Commission pursuant to the procedures set forth below within 60 days after release of this Order."

This order is DA 08-2269.

10/16. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced in a release [PDF] that the FCC will sponsor a car in three upcoming NASCAR races as part of its effort to publicize the transition from analog to digital television. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is a NASCAR fan and scholar.

10/15. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published a notice in the Federal Register that announces, describes, and sets comment deadlines for, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) portion of its Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) and NPRM regarding collecting and reporting of carrier service quality, customer satisfaction, and infrastructure and operating data. The FCC adopted and released this MO&O and NPRM [57 pages in PDF] on September 6, 2008. It is FCC 08-203 in WC Docket No. 08-190. The deadline to submit initial comments is November 14, 2008. The deadline to submit reply comments is December 15, 2008. See, Federal Register, October 15, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 200, at Pages 60997-61006. See also, story titled "FCC Grants Carriers Forbearance From ARMIS Reporting Rules" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,822, September 8, 2008.

10/14. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published a notice in the Federal Register that announces, describes, and sets comment deadlines for, its Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding management and oversight of the Universal Service Fund (USF). The FCC adopted this NOI on August 15, 2008 and released the text [17 pages in PDF] on September 12, 2008. It is FCC 08-189 in WC Docket No. 05-195. The deadline to submit initial comments is November 13, 2008. The deadline to submit reply comments is December 15, 2008. See, Federal Register, October 14, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 199, at Pages 60689-60695.

10/16. The Department of the Treasury (DOT) announced that it has hired the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett to be its legal adviser for the implementation of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. See, DOT release.

10/6. Catherine Ashton (at left) was confirmed as the new European Commissioner for Trade. She replaces Peter Mandelson, who left to take a position in the United Kingdom cabinet. See, EU release.

10/16. Microsoft stated in a release that "Our position hasn't changed. Microsoft has no interest in acquiring Yahoo!; there are no discussions between the companies."

The House will not meet. Its next scheduled meeting is at 11:00 AM on January 3, 2009. See, HConRes 440.

The Senate will not meet.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will hold a public workshop titled "Prohibition of Unfair Methods of Competition In Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act". This workshop will address the scope of Section 5 of the FTCA, which is codified at 15 U.S.C. § 45, its relation to antitrust statutes, and its application to technology companies. The FTC proceeded in part under Section 5 in its JEDEC proceeding against Rambus. See, story titled "Court of Appeals Rules in Rambus v. FTC" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,752, April 23, 2008. See, notice in the Federal Register, August 28, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 168, at Pages 50818-50819. Location: FTC Conference Center, 601 New Jersey Ave., NW.

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Advisory Committee for Computer and Information Science and Engineering will meet. See, notice in the Federal Register, October 14, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 199, at Page 60724. Location: Room 1235, NSF, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA.

12:00 NOON - 2:00 PM. The Technology Policy Institute (TPI) will host a panel discussion titled "Privacy and Data Security Issues Facing the Next Administration". The speakers will be Orson Swindle (Hunton & Williams, representing Sen. McCain), Peter Swire (law professor representing Sen. Obama), and Tom Leonard (TPI moderator). Lunch will be served. See, registration page. For more information, contact Ashley Creel at 202-828-4405 or events at techpolicyinstitute dot org. Location: Room 2322, Rayburn Building, Capitol Hill.

CHANGED TO SEPTEMBER 26. Extended deadline to submit to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) applications for membership on the NTIA's Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC). The applicable positions have two year terms that commence in December of 2008. See, original notice in the Federal Register, August 1, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 149, at Pages 44972-44973, extension notice in the Federal Register, September 10, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 176, at Pages 52646-52647. See, third notice in the Federal Register, September 18, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 182, at Page 54139, moving the deadline up to September 26, 2008.

The Senate will meet in pro forma session.

9:30 AM. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative's (OUSTR) GSP Subcommittee will hold a hearing regarding the 2008 Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Annual Review. See, notice in the Federal Register, September 12, 2008, Vol. 73, No 178, at Pages 53054-53056. Location: OUSTR, Rooms 1 and 2, 1724 F St., NW.

12:00 NOON - 4:00 PM. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a public meeting to work on its 2008 Annual Report to Congress. See, notice in the Federal Register, July 29, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 146, at Pages 43978-43979, and notice in the Federal Register, September 18, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 182, at Page 54205. Location: Conference Room 333, Hall of the States, 444 North Capitol St., NW.

7:00 - 9:00 PM. The Cato Institute and the Center for American Progress (CAP) will host a performance of the video titled "Advice and Consent", followed by a panel discussion. This video pertains to the nominations of John Roberts, Sam Alito, and Harriet Miers. The speakers will be Kathryn Kolbert (People for the American Way), Manuel Miranda (Third Branch Conference), Ilya Shapiro (Cato), Winnie Stachelberg (CAP), David Van Taylor, and Jan Greenburg (ABC News). See, CAP notice. Location: E Street Cinema, 555 11th St., NW.

Effective date of the Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) new rules mandating that export and reexport license applications, classification requests, encryption review requests, License Exception AGR notifications and related documents be submitted to the BIS by its electronic filing system. See, notice in the Federal Register, August 21, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 163, at Pages 49323-49331.

Deadline to submit reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding broadcast low power auxiliary stations operating in the 700 MHz band, such as wireless microphones. This NPRM is FCC 08-188 in WT Docket Nos. 08-166 and 08-167. The FCC adopted this NPRM on August 15, 2008, and announced it and released the text [24 pages in PDF] on August 21, 2008. See, story titled "FCC Releases NPRM on Wireless Microphones Operating in 700 MHz Band" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,817, August 21, 2008. See, notice in the Federal Register, September 3, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 171, at Pages 51406-51415.

Deadline to submit to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) replies to oppositions to the petitions for reconsideration (PFR) of the FCC's Report and Order (R&O) that is sometimes referred to as the "multi-tenant environment voice exclusivity order". The FCC adopted this R&O on March 19, 2008, and released the text [30 pages in PDF] on March 21, 2008. This R&O is FCC 08-87 in WT Docket No. 99-217. See, story titled "FCC Order Abrogates Property Owners' Contracts with Telcos" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,734, March 20, 2008. See also, Verizon's PFR [9 pages in PDF] of June 13, 2008, and Stephen Weinstein's PFR [7 pages in PDF] of March 24, 2008. See also, notice in the Federal Register, September 25, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 187, at Page 55513.

Deadline to submit to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) replies to oppositions to the petition for reconsideration (PFR) [4 pages in PDF] of the FCC's Memorandum Opinion and Order and Report and Order (MO&O and R&O) approving the merger of XM and Sirius. The FCC adopted this item on July 25, 2008, and released the text [109 pages in PDF] on August 5, 2008. See, story titled "FCC Releases XM Sirius Merger Order" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,807, August 6, 2008, story titled and "FCC Approves XM Sirius Merger" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,800, July 25, 2008. This item is FCC 08-178 in MB Docket No. 07-57. Mt Wilson FM Broadcasters, Inc. filed this PRF on September 4, 2008. See also, notice in the Federal Register, September 25, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 187, at Page 55513.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a public meeting to work on its 2008 Annual Report to Congress. See, notice in the Federal Register, July 29, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 146, at Pages 43978-43979, and notice in the Federal Register, September 18, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 182, at Page 54205. Location: Conference Room 333, Hall of the States, 444 North Capitol St., NW.

TIME? The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC) will meet. Location?

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a public meeting to work on its 2008 Annual Report to Congress. See, notice in the Federal Register, July 29, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 146, at Pages 43978-43979, and notice in the Federal Register, September 18, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 182, at Page 54205. Location: Conference Room 333, Hall of the States, 444 North Capitol St., NW.

11:00 AM - 12:00 NOON. Laurie Flaherty (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) will give a speech on the Department of Transportation's (DOT) role in 911 issues. See, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) notice [PDF]. Location: FCC, Commission Meeting Room, 445 12th St., SW.

6:00 - 8:15 PM. The Federal Communications Bar Association's (FCBA) State and Local Practice Committee will host a seminar titled "Regulatory Framework for VoIP: What is the State Role?" The first panel will cover "the technical aspects of the provision of VoIP services and the current state of regulatory oversight". The second panel will cover "open issues and when VoIP oversight should or is likely to go". See, notice and registration page. The price to attend varies. Location: Bingham McCutchen, 2020 K St., NW.

6:00 - 9:15 PM. The DC Bar Association will host a program titled "Copyright Law and Litigation". The speaker will be Kenneth Kaufman (Manatt Phelps & Phillips). The price to attend ranges from $80 to $115. For more information, contact 202-626-3488. See, notice. This event qualifies for continuing legal education (CLE) credits. Location: DC Bar Conference Center, B-1 Level, 1250 H St., NW.

Deadline to submit reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to its Notice of Inquiry and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOI/NPRM) regarding regulation of advertising sponsorship identification. This item is FCC 08-155 in MB Docket No. 08-90. This FCC adopted this item on June 13, 2008, and released the text [22 pages in PDF] on June 26, 2008. See, notice in the Federal Register, July 24, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 143, at Pages 43194-43200.

Deadline to submit reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to its Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding assignment of Educational Broadband Service (EBS) spectrum in the Gulf of Mexico. The FCC adopted this item on March 18, 2008, and released the text [111 pages in PDF] on March 20, 2008. This item is FCC 08-03 in WT Docket Nos. 03-66, 03-67, and 02-68, IB Docket No. 02-364, and ET Docket No. 00-258. See, notice of extension of comment deadlines in Federal Register, July 8, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 131, at Pages 38955-38956.

8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a public meeting to work on its 2008 Annual Report to Congress, "if necessary". See, notice in the Federal Register, July 29, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 146, at Pages 43978-43979, and notice in the Federal Register, September 18, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 182, at Page 54205. Location: Conference Room 231, Hall of the States, 444 North Capitol St., NW.

1:45 - 3:30 PM. The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) will host a panel discussion titled the "Beyond November -- Trade Policy". See, notice. Location: AEI, 12th floor, 1150 17th St., NW.

Day one of a three day conference hosted by the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) titled "2008 Annual Meeting". Location: Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Park Road, NW.

TIME? The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Competition's Premerger Notification Office will host a half day workshop on the basics of the premerger notification program. See, FTC release. Location: FTC, satellite building conference center, 601 New Jersey Ave., NW.

Deadline to submit comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in connection with its event titled "Transatlantic RFID Workshop on Consumer Privacy and Data Security". See, FTC release.

Day two of a three day conference hosted by the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) titled "2008 Annual Meeting". Location: Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Park Road, NW.

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM. The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) will host a one day conference titled "Antitrust Summit on Innovation and Competition Policy in High-Tech Markets". Prices vary. Breakfast and lunch will be served. See, CCIA notice. RSVP to Danielle Yates at dyates at ccianet dot org or 202-783-0070 ext. 122. Location: Knight Conference Center, Room 705/706, Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.

8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a public meeting to work on its 2008 Annual Report to Congress, "if necessary". See, notice in the Federal Register, July 29, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 146, at Pages 43978-43979, and notice in the Federal Register, September 18, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 182, at Page 54205. Location: Conference Room 231, Hall of the States, 444 North Capitol St., NW.

12:00 NOON - 2:00 PM. The Free State Foundation (FSF) will host a panel discussion titled "Archaic Intercarrier Compensation and Universal Service Regimes: Proposals for Reform". The speakers will be Gerald Brock (George Washington University), John Mayo (Georgetown University business school), and Deborah Tate (FCC Commissioner). Lunch will be served. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP to Susan Reichbart at sreichbart at freestatefoundation dot org. Location: Room 2322, Rayburn Building, Capitol Hill.

12:15 - 1:45 PM. The Federal Communications Bar Association's (FCBA) Legislative Practice Committee will host a brown bag lunch titled "Major Issues in Telecommunications in the 111th Congress". The speakers may include Gregg Rothschild (Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel of the House Commerce Committee), Perry Apelbaum (Chief Counsel, Staff Director, House Judiciary Committee), Neil Fried (Senior Minority Counsel, House Commerce Committee; and David Whitney (Minority Counsel, Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property). This event is free. See, registration page. Location: Sidley Austin, 1501 K Street, NW, 6th Floor.

12:30 - 1:45 PM. The Federal Communications Bar Association's (FCBA) HLS/Emergency Communications, Wireless and Wireline Practice Committees will host a brown bag lunch titled "From Katrina to Ike and Beyond: Hurricane Responses of Emergency Communications Providers". The speakers will be Jennifer Manner (Satellite Industry Association), Robert Mayer (USTelecom), and Christopher Guttman-McCabe (CTIA). This event is free. See, notice and registration page. Location: Wilmer Hale, 1875 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.

Deadline to submit comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in connection with its October 17 public workshop titled "Prohibition of Unfair Methods of Competition In Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act". See, notice in the Federal Register, August 28, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 168, at Pages 50818-50819.

Deadline to submit comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (OUSTR) regarding the request of the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan to the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the establishment of a dispute settlement panel regarding European Union tariff treatment of set-top boxes with a communication function, flat panel displays, and certain multifunctional digital machines. See, notice in the Federal Register, September 22, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 184, at Pages 54640-54642.

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