1. Explain and discuss briefly the concept of why "telecommunications technologies are to some degree substitutable."
2. Consider the relationships between the different roles the FCC plays in regulating private (for-profit) use of public spectrum. Explain one or more of the steps the Commission takes in determining which private services will be allowed to use public electromagnetic spectrum.
3. What are the public interest trustee obligations that are placed upon broadcast licenses? Define the term public trustee and determine the obligations placed upon a broadcast licensee using publicly-owned electromagnetic spectrum for profit. Explain why you agree or disagree with the concept of a public trustee in the broadcasting industry.
4. Define the Fairness Doctrine and explain how it relates to the concept of "quid pro quo"? ("This for that.") What was this doctrine "exchanging" between the private for-profit broadcast licensee and the Federal Government? Did the licensee assume any obligations? Explain why you would agree or disagree with the Fairness Doctrine. (Argue for, against, or both.)
NOTE: Answer should be at least 10 to 15 lines (or two paragraphs)
5. What are some of the reasons given for cable as a natural monopoly? What is gained and what is lost by permitting the competition for the monopoly position to be conducted (a) in the marketplace or (b) in a franchising process?
6. During all of its alleged bad acts, Bell (AT&T) was a regulated firm (both by state and federal regulators). Why was it important to the government's antitrust theory that regulation of Bell was partially, but only partially, successful?
7. Discuss the fundamental problem of interconnection that involved Bell and the Independent Telephone Companies in the early days of telephone?