Get Ready To Say Hello To One Of The Longest Direct Cable Systems In The World

Does the Acronym PLCN seem familiar? If any of you are wondering what that stands for, here goes. PLCN stands for Pacific Light Cable Network. It is a new subsea cable spanning the Pacific. This is being constructed under the combined partnership of Facebook, Google and Pacific Light Data Communication.

PLCN is one of the longest cable networks connecting Los Angeles and Hong Kong directly. It is also going to be one of the highest-capacity trans-Pacific systems. The initially estimated design capacity is 120 Tbsp. It will have 12,800 km of fiber and transmit 120 terabits of data per second between Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

PLCN provides great flexibility to the users. For previous versions of subsea cables, the system vendor would provide the initial optical equipment. This was dependent on the technology that was available during the period the cable was contracted. However, PLCN gives the parties involved complete independence in selecting its optical equipment. Also, equipment refreshes and modifications can be brought about as and when optical technology advances even during the construction of the system. This project is being built by TE SubCom. The costs are expected to go down as technology advances. Also, the bandwidth rates will increase at a rapid pace.

Will Violation Of Rules Be Tolerated Or Not

Is it true that the Federal Communications Commission has zero tolerance when it comes to violation of rules set earlier? Will the violator who asks for permission be exempted? The answer to both is No way! The decision of the Media Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission passed recently clearly proves this fact. The whole situation came to light in New York when two commonly-owned entities decided to exchange stations. They made use of the third license for this swap.

The parties decided to execute a time brokerage agreement which would permit them to commence operating as if the swap had occurred with the permission of the Commission. Normally executing a TBA is noncontroversial. However in this case, by executing the TBA, the buyer exceeded the limit of the maximum number of stations under common control. The Commission has the power to refuse to grant the assignment application of the buyer. Here this assignment application filed with the commission contained a temporary waiver request to get control of the stations. However, they parties involved did not wait for the Commission to grant the waiver and went ahead to implement the TBA without obtaining the Commission’s consent.

The commission without any hesitation denied the waiver request. The parties were also charged a forfeiture of $20,000. The lifeline given to the parties was that their assignment applications were rejected without any prejudice. So they could reapply for the same. However the next time they were asked to wait for the Commission to consider the waiver and grant permission before commencing operation of TBA. This incident is a gentle reminder to all FCC licensees that “business expedience is not synonymous with the public interest.�? Business enterprises should not forget that they have to move through the proper channel and wait for The Federal Communications Commission to grant permission as and when required.

Going ahead with sun setting of FM

Norway is the first country to do away with the FM stations. According to the officials, the main reasons are the increasing costs involved in maintaining the FM network coverage. The deep fjords, mountain ranges and scattered settlement pattern make it really expensive to continue to operate the FM network. As per Norway’s culture minister, Linda C. Hofstad-Helleland, they will be moving over to make the transition to Digital Audio Broadcasting by 2017. This proposal was placed in 2011. When shifting to DAB, it is estimated that the transmission costs will be reduced by eight times than it was for FM transmission.

Contrary to the popular belief, listeners will benefit more from the change. They will be able to enjoy more pluralistic radio-content. They will have access to a more diverse range of programs and will experience better sound quality and functionality as well. The DAB network is more advanced and technologically upgraded. It will allow around 40 national channels, including the existing 22 which are already in use, whereas FM had only 5 National channels.

The objections raised were perhaps based on the fact that people would lose their jobs and the remaining uncertainty. However as the officials have pointed out, it is time to accept change. Moreover, the cut down in expenditure is also a great reason to accept radio digitalization. The population coverage of DAB network is also far better than that of the FM network. More citizens would be able to enjoy the facilities if DAB network comes into existence. As per reliable sources, from 2017 onwards, People living in sparsely populated parts will be able to enjoy all the channels being broadcasted. Presently they can enjoy only a single channel.

Listeners are also getting to choose which digital radio technology they wish to use. In addition to all this, Internet Radio also will function well. To summarize, the People of Norway are in for a full ride to all the broadcasting channels and shows shortly.