German phone system is taxed by unification

Article Abstract:

Telecommunications problems are interfering with the economic and administrative unification of Germany, and there is pressure for change in the Deutsche Bundespost, which manages Germany's telephone and postal services. Previously, European Community directives have forced Germany's government to start deregulating its telecommunications monopoly, but now, pressure for change is coming from within the government itself. According to Bundespost Minister Christian Schwarz-Schilling, the Government might sell a minority share of its telecommunications business to outside investors. Thus, money could be raised to modernize the phone system and to help pay for the nation's unification. The telecommunications infrastructure in eastern Germany, with the exception of networks operated by the former secret police, are in poor condition. A plan to change this could cost $36 billion.

Communications Equipment, Germany, Telephone companies, Telecommunications systems, Privatization (Business), Deregulation, Telecommunication systems, Telephone systems, European Economic Community, Telephone System, Telephone Company, Telecommunications Service, Privatization, Germany. Bundespost, Bundespost

---

Why two television formats may be better than one

Article Abstract:

The US Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) guidelines for high definition television (HDTV) will allow broadcasters to establish two separate broadcasting systems. Establishing and maintaining two parallel broadcasting systems will be expensive for broadcasters but will sidestep the issue of compatibility, which entails a compromise in the quality of HDTV. The FCC says that new broadcasters must abide by the present channel allotments and continue to provide service receivable on the present conventional sets. The FCC stipulation on present channel allotments provides no obstacle to creating two broadcasting systems because applies only to terrestrial, ground-based transmitters and does not include satellites and cable transmission, which HDTV service would use.

Social aspects, Broadcasting, Telecommunication policy, Telecommunications policy, High-definition television, High definition television, column, Compatibility

---

Communication challenges seen

Article Abstract:

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chmn Alfred Sikes says that government regulations pertaining to the telecommunications industry will be influenced by new technologies, globalization of the market place and competition created by the breakup of AT&T. Mr. Sikes says that new technology and increased competition will benefit the consumer. Profit-incentive regulations that were recently imposed on AT&T might be extended to regional telephone companies. Mr. Sikes believes that the FCC is more qualified to assess the telecommunications industry than Judge Harold H. Greene. Sikes opposes the so-called fairness doctrine, which requires broadcasters to air contrasting views on socially important issues.

Officials and employees, Telecommunications industry, Telecommunications, interview, Market Analysis, Competition, Sikes, Alfred

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Computer project sends messages to Gulf. Computer helps professors match names and faces. Chess-playing computer closing in on champions; speedy, powerful analysis makes for a formidable opponent
• Abstracts: Intel announces a faster version of its fastest PC chip. Texas Instruments to sell computer unit to Hewlett

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.