Regulators try to tame the untamable on-line world

Article Abstract:

Federal agencies are scrutinizing activities on the Internet in an effort to impose restrictions on the content and interactions allowed on-line. Regulating the Internet is far from simple since it is decentralized by nature and no control mechanisms exist. The Internet is vulnerable to many of the negative influences of the real world and raises similar questions about the limits of free speech. Criticism of regulatory measures focus primarily on free speech issues with some observers expressing concern over perceived overstepping by government agencies unfamiliar with cyberspace. The Exon amendment, which would give the FCC broad powers of enforcement, has inspired the most protest. The FCC and other agencies are watching Internet activity closely and have been involved in a number of regulatory struggles creating some reservations about the proliferation of contradictory restrictions and jurisdiction.

Laws, regulations and rules, Telecommunications regulations, Government communications regulation, Censorship, Censorship issue, Government Activity

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AT&T faces some delays in delivering on its promise of access to the Internet

Article Abstract:

AT&T's heavily promoted complimentary Internet access will not be available to consumers when advertised, because the company is still developing the technological components of the service. AT&T's service will lack local computer nodes for data-traffic collection and Internet software for popular operating systems such as Windows 95 and the Macintosh OS. AT&T faces formidable competition in the field of Internet access from skilled marketers such as Microsoft, MCI, Sprint and the RBOCs, and the company can not afford to fail in the delivery of promised services. AT&T will offer unlimited Internet access to users for $19.95 per month, a rate considerably less than such competitors as America Online and the RBOCs who traditionally charge heavy access fees. AT&T intends to include support for Windows 95 and Mac OS by May 1996.

Internet service providers, AT&T Corp., T, Information services, Internet service provider, Company service introduction, Service introduction

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Retailers pay big for prime Internet real estate

Article Abstract:

Merchants have discovered that it can be very difficult for consumers to find their sites on the Web. Consequently, retailers have begun paying an advertisement fee as well as a sales commission to be placed on a high traffic Web site. America Online has agreed to place Amazon.com and 1-800-Flowers in premiere locations for an additional $44 million. AOL has struck similar deals with Tel-Save Holdings and CUC International. Amazon.com's arrangement with AOL includes a button on the service provider's site that links users to the bookseller's site. AOL's has signed a deal with 1-800-Flowers to keep the florist as its only flower vender until 2001. Part of their agreement includes a $25 million advance to AOL on the commissions.

Services, Marketing, America Online Inc., AOL, Company internet strategy, Amazon.com Inc., Advertising, Internet advertising, Company marketing practices, Internet/Web advertising, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Inc.

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