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Nancy Gohring
Google seeks patent to break mobile subscriber shackles
Submitted by Benton Foundation on September 28, 2008 - 8:03pmLast updated: September 28, 2008 - 8:03pm
In Google's plan, cell phone users would enjoy greater freedom from carriers' rules, without the hassle of termination fees, phone number transfers, or new-handset purchases. The system would require end-users to have mobile devices that can operate on different types of networks, including Wi-Fi and the various incompatible cellular technologies, as well as multiple operator networks.
Google Android is about advertising, not the enterprise
Submitted by Benton Foundation on September 23, 2008 - 9:33pmLast updated: September 23, 2008 - 9:33pm
Even though three companies hosted the launch event and the software is backed by a consortium, the introduction of the first Android phone made it very clear that Android is about one company: Google.
FCC wireless tests aim to end debate
Submitted by Benton Foundation on September 4, 2008 - 7:53pmLast updated: September 4, 2008 - 7:54pm
The Federal Communications Commission may gather enough data through wireless testing this week in Seattle to quiet debates over the potential interference that could result from a proposed spectrum auction.
Android phone could come in November
Submitted by Benton Foundation on August 18, 2008 - 6:56pmLast updated: August 18, 2008 - 6:58pm
The Federal Communications Commission released documents on Monday that may indicate that the first Android phone will hit the US market in November. The documents show that the FCC has approved the sale of HTC's Dream phone, a device widely rumored to become the first to run Google's Linux-based Android software.
Lawmakers urge FCC to move forward with 'free' plan
Submitted by Benton Foundation on August 11, 2008 - 8:08pmLast updated: August 11, 2008 - 8:09pm
Last week, Reps Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Ed Markey (D-MA) wrote Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin saying, "We are concerned that incumbent wireless carriers are seeking unnecessary and unprecedented testing delays to prevent new innovative competitors from entering the market." At issue is a proposal from Chairman Martin to auction a 25MHz piece of spectrum in the 2155MHz band and require the winner to use a specified amount of spectrum for free wireless Internet access.
Google, Yahoo strike ad deal
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 12, 2008 - 9:13pmLast updated: June 13, 2008 - 7:12am
Just hours after saying it ended talks of a possible investment with Microsoft, Yahoo announced a deal with Google to run some of Google's advertisements alongside Yahoo search results. The nonexclusive deal unites the online advertising businesses of Google and Yahoo and comes as a setback to Microsoft, which had been trying to acquire all or part of Yahoo to strengthen its own online business and compete better with Google.
CTIA says FCC auction plan doomed to fail
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 6, 2008 - 9:47pmIn a scathing filing with the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday, CTIA, the lobbying association representing mobile operators, criticized the agency's plan to auction spectrum that would require the winner to offer free wireless Internet services.
More laws, collaboration required for online safety
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 6, 2008 - 9:34amWashington state's attorney general is only half joking when he suggests that perhaps sites like Facebook and MySpace should require members to use a credit card to sign up for access as a way to prove their identity.
Vint Cerf supports municipal broadband networkS, Network Neutrality
Submitted by Benton Foundation on May 13, 2008 - 7:08pmMunicipal broadband networks could help boost the availability of high-speed Internet access and even help to ensure Net neutrality in the U.S., said Vint Cerf, vice president and chief Internet evangelist at Google.
Microsoft proposes tiered privacy in online advertising
Submitted by Benton Foundation on April 14, 2008 - 7:29amMicrosoft has proposed a tiered approach to protecting the privacy of people targeted by online advertising, saying advertisers should get permission before using sensitive, personally identifiable information to deliver ads.
