FCC & Internet phones

[A. Padgett Peterson P.E. Information Security]

I rote:
>  You seem to forget that the Internet is just about the *only* electronic 
>  communications media not controlled/licensed by the FCC in the US. The 
>  FCC also prohibits use of cryptography by those with amateur licenses.

Bill wresponded:
>Oh, we remember it :-).  But actually, large chunks of the Internet's
>facilities _are_ on controlled or semi-controlled media, such as 
>frame relay (which the Feds just insisted had to be tariffed) or
>local private-line (which is often regulated by state PUCs.)

Do not disagree, just is not regulated by the FCC the same way radio 
stations are.

Today we think (if you do) of Zenith as manufacturer of computers (owned by
Thompson), cable TV decoders, and televisions (Samsung ?). However seventy
years ago, Commander MacDonald "willfully" (having notified Herbert Hoover)
started broadcasting station WJAZ in Chicago on a frequency reserved for
Canadian stations (have a copy of a photograph *somewhere* showing the
1925 station crew in Pirate costumes) in direct violation of a Department
of Commerce order.

Shortly thereafter Congress passed a law creating the FCC.

History tends to repeat itself.
						Warmly,
							Padgett