Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt (R) called for collaboration between state’s telecom carriers and its “professional communities” to encourage high-tech companies to locate in state. In his “State of the State” address, he also called for coordinated efforts to bring all of state’s communities into “New Economy” by expanding high-speed telecom services in rural areas, announced formation of new “Utah/Silicon Valley Alliance” to acquaint new entrepreneurial startups with advantages of locating in Utah, called for state- funded bonuses of up to $20,000 for teachers of advanced technology and math skills who commit to staying at least 4 years in Utah high schools. He also announced associated life-style- oriented initiatives addressing education, housing, water and open space.

Wash. Utilities & Transportation Commission (WUTC) approved new rates for extending telephone lines to serve new residences within an incumbent telco’s local service area. New schedule caps up-front charge at 20 times customer’s basic exchange service rate. After service begins, customers would pay double their normal basic exchange rate for first 20 months of service. WUTC said new rate schedule would make it simpler for unserved residents to acquire phone service. New rate schedule applies only to residential service; business-service line extensions continue to be provided under old schedules.

Minority Media & Telecom Council said it would appeal court decision overturning FCC EEO rules (CD Jan 17 p1). Group said it would fight U.S. Appeals Court, D.C., decision “with all our strength.” Exec. Dir. David Honig said: “Unless reversed, this decision could put a halt to 32 years of progress in desegregating some of the nation’s most influential industries.” Court rejection of FCC EEO rules “will make it even more difficult to achieve a broadcast industry that reflects America’s rich cultural diversity,” FCC Comr. Tristani said in response to decision. She said she was particularly disappointed that U.S. Appeals Court, D.C., rejected rules entirely, even parts that might have been constitutional.

Charter Communications said it began offering Wink Communications’ elementary interactive TV service in S. Fla. Service is available free to Charter digital cable subscribers. With rollout, Wink said it’s available to more than 500,000 cable and satellite homes across U.S., including in more than 20 Charter markets.

FCC added Brasilsat A2 satellite to Permitted Space Station List at 63 degrees W orbital location. Commission said as result of ruling, routine earth stations would be able to communicate with Brasilsat, which it said should stimulate competition in U.S.

Internal Revenue Service established new rules for space, ocean and telecom income sources Jan. 16, setting guidelines that income from space or ocean activity by U.S. person will be sourced in U.S., while income from foreign people will be foreign-sourced. Exceptions to rules include foreign companies with half or more ownership by U.S. persons. As result, foreign satellite companies established in no-tax jurisdictions could conduct most of business in U.S. but pay no U.S. or foreign taxes on satellite leasing income.

SANTA CLARA, Cal. -- Internet is at a “critical time” as data and telephony converge, and that convergence could offer “the best or the worst of both worlds,” Packet Design CEO Judy Estrin said at Supernet conference here Jan. 16. Future trends include consolidation of voice, video, and data services, she said. “We are still in the covered wagon stage” of Internet, and it will progress via developments such as ubiquitous bandwidth, increased ease of use, greater connectivity and improved security, Estrin said.

NBC revenue fell 11% to $1.55 billion in 4th quarter ended Dec. 31, but operating profit was up 10% to $476 million, parent GE reported. GE gave little explanation of changes, although it cited higher ratings for broadcast network, “tremendous ratings” for MSNBC during election period and 40% full-year profit growth for CNBC. For full year, NBC revenue was up 17% to $6.8 billion and operating profit up 14% to $1.7 billion.

Telecom officials didn’t get answer from Bush Administration representatives Wed. to question who would be named FCC chmn., and when, we're told. Industry officials, primarily contributors to campaign, met with Bush transition office Wed. afternoon in what was described as “very generic and nonspecific” meeting. Most of attention focused on FCC reform, expediting agency decision-making and similar broad issues, we're told.

Universal Space Network and BAE Systems opened Western Australia remote ground station at Yathanrragga to support former’s subscriber base, which includes NASA’s Triana spacecraft mission. Station will be constructed and maintained by BAE Systems.