telecom

Google Voice Slapfight: AT&T, Sex Chats, and Some Hot FCC Action

Chris Dannen — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:38:29 -0400

Google's public policy blog admits that Google Voice blocks certain numbers. AT&T says this would be illegal were Google treated like any other telecom. But Google claims that if it doesn't engage in blocking, its service will become too expensive to operate for no charge.

The problem, says Google, is the telephone scheme called "traffic pumping" perpetrated by small local phone companies in cahoots with sex chat lines. (Below, FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C.)

The Powers or the People: GOP Rep. Tries to Delay FCC Vote on Who Owns the Web

Clay Dillow — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:31:01 -0400

With an FCC vote on net neutrality rules looming on Thursday, it would be a shame if partisan politics didn't come into play. But who will stand up to declare regulations barring Internet service providers from picking and choosing favorites "catastrophic?" Ah, thank you Texas Representative Joe Barton, we knew we could count on you.

Will Telecoms Push Netbooks Over Smartphones?

Chris Dannen — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:55:34 -0400

Some mobile networks say that smartphone users are sucking down too much data. But as netbooks become more popular, won't a burgeoning problem get that much worse? (Below, the Palm Pre.)

Telefonica Appoints Customers as Heads of Marketing, Tech Support, and Customer Service

Kate Rockwood — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:50:10 -0400

Companies have crowdsourced everything from ad campaigns to package design, usually through contests. But Spanish telecom giant Telefonica is putting a new degree of trust in users, handing over the marketing, technical support, and customer service reins to any customers looking to lower their phone bill.

BICSI Fall Conference and Exhibition

Clay Dillow — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:13:51 -0400

Back when information transport systems were but networks of hard wires moving telephone signals, Building Industry Consulting Service International pulled itself together from a handful of small telcos looking to discuss concerns in the industry. More than three decades (and a few different AT&Ts later), the group has a lot more to talk about.

Wireless Revenue to Overtake Wireline in 2014

Clay Dillow — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:59:21 -0400

Many would say the wireless era is already upon us, but soon it's going to be official. A study released today by research firm ATLANTIC-ACM shows that wireless revenues will overtake all wireline revenues by 2014.

Is Verizon Giving Up the Storm Too Soon?

Chris Dannen — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:10:04 -0400

Telecom titan Verizon Wireless has sent two letters to lawmakers this week offering to limit the amount of time it keeps its handsets carrier-exclusive. Such proprietary deals surfaced on the radar of Department of Justice regulators largely because of Apple's unusually long contract with AT&T, which is rumored to end in 2010.

Good to Know: Seven Useful Things Online This Week

Chris Dannen — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:16:30 -0400

Print Is Dying Because... It's Printed

Dept. of Justice May Investigate AT&T over iPhone Deal

Chris Dannen — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:19:15 -0400

The unusually long contract between Apple and AT&T for the sale of the iPhone may prompt the Department of Justice to look into charging large telecom providers with anticompetitive practices. According to the Wall Street Journal, rumors inside the DOJ suggest that investigators will be looking at how large mobile providers like AT&T and Verizon restrict the way devices and services are used on their networks. Justice has yet to make a formal announcement.

T-Mobile Bringing Back Zeta-Jones for "Mobile Makeover" Campaign

Clay Dillow — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:22:31 -0400

T-Mobile will bring back former-spokeswoman Catherine Zeta-Jones to launch a new marketing push reminding viewers that, chances are, they are paying too much for their wireless plans. And to ensure their claims aren't dismissed as a run-of-the-mill sales pitch, T-Mobile will encourage viewers to visit a third-party site to see just how much they could save with a "Mobile Makeover."

Powering Modern Communications -- No Margin for Error

Chris Chapman — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:55:59 -0500

We live in an age where everything we do is based on instant communications - starting with the simple hello over email and phone to watching videos or finding our way around town on a GPS system. People expect information at their fingertips and have little tolerance when there is any interruption. This expectation has been set by companies today and their networks have to deliver performance at the touch of a button.

Regulatory Contagion?

Robert Atkinson — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:35:14 -0400

Asus Planning Skype Video Phone

Chris Dannen — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:17:28 -0400

It's getting increasingly difficult to make fun of Asus [TPE:2357] for its incredible fecundity, simply because it keeps coming up with good ideas. The latest is a Skype-certified [EBAY] video phone that looks simple enough for anyone to use.

Digital Lifescapes Headline News

David Deans — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:13:27 -0500

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