IP: correction on FCC approves the AOL/TW merger with conditions

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

Indeed the NYT had it wrong. I was restricted to say more till the Public 
Order got published in the FCC web site. Since I was on the Senior Staff 
group that managed the staff drafts I can help anyone who has questions in 
the IP community.

Dave

> To: farber () cis upenn edu
>
>
> Dave -- I think the NY Times has it wrong.   The FCC did NOT order any
> compatibility between AOL's IM and other suppliers' systems, unless and
> until
> AOL upgrades its service to include streaming video.  If the latter
> happens, AOL must prove either that it has signed an interoperability
> contract with
> "significant, unaffiliated, actual or potential competing providers" of
> such services, or operates its service according to standard (e.g., IETF)
> protocols.
>
> See    http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Public_Notices/2001/fcc01011.doc
> for the details.



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