NYC payphone conversion plan wins committee approval
New York's de Blasio administration won approval to replace its system of public pay phones with a network of high-speed Wi-Fi kiosks, called Links.
Dems want pay TV and radio to disclose buyers of political ads
Three congressional Democrats asked FCC Chair Tom Wheeler to extend to cable and satellite systems the requirement that their political files be posted on the FCC?s online database.
A federal bill to close the digital divide for students
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) hopes to provide low-income students with home Internet, using the same system of public assistance that underwrites other necessities.
Post political files online for cable and satellite as well as broadcast
The FCC is seeking comment on a petition filed by open politics watchdog groups, who are asking that cable and satellite TV systems post their political files posted in the open FCC database.
The Web?s quarter century
March 12 marks the 25th anniversary of the date when Tim Berners-Lee introduced "the concept of a ?distributed hypertext system,? which could link files in an ever-expanding network... The World Wide Web was born.?
Another step toward web-based TV, and undoing the cable bundle?
Verizon announced it would purchase Intel?s OnCue Cloud TV platform, a system that would allow Verizon to extend its marketing of Internet-based video, both through fiber and wireless.
FCC sees increase in ?sunny day? failures at emergency call centers
An FCC report details a coding error that resulted in a loss of 911 service for more than 11 million people for up to six hours.
New York to get citywide high-speed Wi-Fi
New York City plans to replace public pay phones with a network of high-speed, multi-purpose Wi-Fi kiosks called Links.
CWA petitions NY state to investigate telecommunications
This week, District 1 of the Communications Workers of America filed a petition to the New York State Public Service Commission requesting a formal investigation of the state of the telecommunications industry.
FCC Opens Further Rulemaking on IP Transition
This week, the FCC adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking designed to protect consumers in the transition from copper, circuit-switched to IP based networks.
Wheeler proposes new competition to cable
This week in an FCC blog post, Chair Tom Wheeler asked the commission to approve a measure that would give over-the-top (OTT) online video providers new rights.
Call for a new regulatory regime based on consumer needs
Rick Boucher of the Internet Innovation Alliance wrote, ?Regulators should seek a more strategic relationship with service providers that focuses on the core consumer values yet remains responsive to consumer behavior.
Net neutrality in context
Former Undersecretary of Commerce Ev Ehrich put net neutrality in a wider context in the San Francisco Chronicle, saying. "?there's nothing neutral about the Net now, despite what a few strident voices say.?
Robustness and Resiliency in the IP transition
Benton Foundation's Ted Gotsch writes this week about another principle to guide the transition to IP: Robustness and Resiliency.
Miami libraries struggle to provide Internet access
Students without home Internet flood the branches ? especially in low-income areas of the metro. And frequently have to wait or receive outdated and inadequate computer equipment.
School iPads not much use to students without home Internet
School officials in Tennessee have found that merely handing out iPads and Chromebooks does not in itself close the digital divide.
Flight attendants want all portable electronic devices stowed during takeoff and landing
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA issued the following statement regarding in-flight use of portable electronic devices.
Cable winning broadband fight ? except when there?s also fiber
The Leichtman Research Group's new broadband report confirms what most of us know: we want fast Internet.
E-rate modernization workshop
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler kicked off the E-Rate Modernization Workshop saying that bringing broadband to schools and libraries could be ?the single most important issue this agency deals with."
FCC votes IP Transition tests to ensure consumer services
FCC commissioners urged a focus on ?enduring values? that must be preserved ? and even improved ? during the IP Transition, including: public safety communications; access to affordable communications; competition in the marketplace; and consumer protection.
Gigabyte mobile data arrives
According to Cisco's latest Visual Networking Index, world mobile users doubled their data consumption last year, with consumers in Japan, the U.S. and South Korea using more than 1 GB per month.
Stuck in the Slow Lane without FiOS
CWA has produced Stuck in the Slow Lane without FiOS for broadcast on Long Island, NY, asking that Verizon bring FiOS to the area.
FCC asking for focused comment on E-Rate modernization
E-Rate is the federal program aiming to provide schools and libraries with up-to-date broadband connectivity. Yesterday, the FCC?s Wireline Competition Bureau asked for focused comment on its E-rate Modernization Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
Coalition lauds FCC action on inmate calling rates
A coalition of civil rights, media justice, and labor groups applaud the FCC for further action on unfair prison phone rates.
Broadband goals according to Wheeler
FCC Chair Tom Wheeler recently said, "... meaningful competition for high-speed wired broadband is lacking and Americans need more competitive choices for faster and better Internet connections."