
Charter and Comcast Offering Emergency Satellite Messaging on Certain Android Phones
Verizon, who the cable giants have MVNO deals with, announced satellite texting on the same Android phones Wednesday.

Public Interest Groups Want T-Mobile-UScellular Merger Blocked
Advocates called for strict conditions if the merger proceeds.

15 Democratic Attorneys General Want FCC to Unlock Phones
The FCC unanimously proposed a 60-day unlocking requirement in July.

AT&T Wants Two Years to Comply with FCC’s Mobile Phone Unlocking Proposal
An FCC 60-day phone unlocking mandate would exceed agency authority, AT&T argued.

Carriers Split on FCC's Phone Unlocking Proposal
'We have total inconsistency right now in the rules,' said Jeff Blum, executive vice president of external and government affairs at Echostar.

Verizon: Handset Unlocking Rules Need to be Uniform
Issue could be on hold until Trump takes office.

NTIA to FCC: Tighten 60-Day Mobile Phone Unlocking Plan
'We urge the FCC to explore ways to further reduce the wait wherever possible.'

NCTA Warns 60-Day Phone Unlocking Rule Could Fuel Billions in Fraud
Cable industry group urged FCC to extend unlocking period to 180 days.

Broadband Breakfast on November 6, 2024 - The Debate Over Unlocking Phones
Join us to discover how this proposal could reshape the mobile landscape.

Black Orgs Back Rosenworcel on Uniform Phone Unlocking Proposal
Groups argue that unlocking rules will promote digital equity.

AT&T Warns FCC of the Risks with Mandated Handset Unlocking
AT&T claims rules will make phones more expensive, accessible to fraudsters.

UScellular: Intense Competition, Debt Drove Decision to Sell to T-Mobile
Officials from UScellular made their case to the FCC last week

T-Mobile, UScellular Pitch Merger to FCC
The companies said the cable industry's mobile offerings mitigate lost competition in UScellular's footprint.

Data Centers and the Environment
These vast, climate-controlled facilities, housing thousands of servers, support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.

Electronic Frontier Foundation Wants a Zero-Day Limit on Locked Phones
A comment, on the FCC's proposed 60 day wait period, advocates for no wait periods on unlocking phones.

TruConnect Gets ETC Certification In Iowa in Four Months
The company’s affiliate has been waiting 11 years for the same approval from the FCC.

FCC Considering Rulemaking on Requiring Mobile Providers to Unlock Phones Within 60 Days
The agency will vote July 18 on whether to seek comment on the move.

Consumer Advocates Seek FCC-Required Unlocking All Phones on T-Mobile Network
Consumer advocates penned a letter of requests to the FCC, hoping to lay the groundwork to unlock all such phones.

Rural Mobile Providers Push FCC to Alter 5G Fund Model
If carrier receiving legacy federal funds lose at auction, they could leave areas ‘stranded,’ providers say.

Verizon Second-Quarter Reflects Continued Fixed Wireless and Fiber Growth
Verizon executives said the company is continuing to look into lead-clad cable concerns.

T-Mobile Reiterates Need for FCC Spectrum Auction Authority, Touts 5G for Home Internet
T-Mobile touted the strength of its 5G wireless network for home internet.

Verizon Awaiting Next C-Band Influx for Further Fixed-Wireless Expansion: Vestberg
Executives said fixed-wireless service has become one of the biggest uses for its 5G network.

FCC Expands Robocall Regime to Intermediaries, Establishes Robotext Protections
FCC approved first rules on robotexts, more on robocalls, and opened comments on dead zone satellite coverage and prison call rates.

FCC Seeks Comment on Carriers Forced to Separate Domestic Violence Victim Phone Line
The proposal is part of the commission’s obligation under the Safe Connections Act.

Chart of States Accepting BEAD Grant Applications
Braodband Breakfast is tracking each state's BEAD grant application window.

Chart of Fixed Wireless Access Subscribers
Braodband Breakfast is tracking fixed wireless access subscriptions.

Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers
Braodband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscriptions.

Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers By Technology
Braodband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscribers by technology.

Kate Forscey: Mobile Broadband Gap Needs to Be Remedied, Too
A recent study by CostQuest suggests that 37,000 more towers are needed to bring mobile coverage up to speed nationwide.

Ookla Names T-Mobile Fastest, Most Consistent Mobile Service Provider
68.5 percent of T-Mobile customers spent a majority of their time on 5G networks during the quarter, Ookla said.

Think Tank Finds U.S. Wireless Speeds Among Best in World
A new study finds the U.S. has among the fastest wireless download speeds.

FCC Commissioning Mobile Wireless and Fixed Broadband Data for Better Mapping
The agency released a statement of objectives earlier this month.

Dish Using IBM AI for 5G Network, ConnectMaine’s New Grants, Intuit Buys Mailchimp, STL Hires Former Ericsson Exec
Dish is partnering with IBM for 5G, ConnectMaine’s community broadband grants, Intuit to buy Mailchimp, STL hires Paolo Colella.

FCC Steps Up to Hurricane Ida, OneWeb Sides With SpaceX on 12 GHz Sharing, FCC’s $5M Robocall Fine
FCC makes temporary changes for Ida, OneWeb says no to spectrum sharing, FCC proposes $5M for robocall scheme.

Mapping Comment Deadline Extended, AT&T Gets Federal Contract, 5G and LTE Drive Microwave Demand
The FCC extends Form 477 comment deadline, AT&T secures State Department contract, mobile wireless driving equipment demand.

SpaceX, Engineers Clash over Whether 12 GigaHertz Band Can Be Shared with 5G Operators
Competing submissions to the FCC show the friction over valuable mid-band spectrum.

Starlink to Provide Mobile Backhaul, Two Digital Learning Firms Merge, Governors Outline Telehealth Effort
Musk looks at mobile backhaul for Starlink, two education entities merge, governors look back at telehealth success.

Early Adoption of 5G Mostly in Manufacturing and Industrial Spaces, Say CES 2021 Experts
January 18, 2021 –All the behavioral shifts experienced during the pandemic in 2020 have demonstrated the importance of networking and how we are dependent on technology in our professional life and personal lives, said Anne Chow, CEO of AT&T Business. Speaking at a session at CES 2021 on “5G’s Firs

Tech Systems Are Outdated, Say Experts Fashioning Briefs for Incoming Administration
November 1, 2020 — The federal government’s outdated technology systems have left America vulnerable, said Cassandra Madison, acting executive director of the Tech Talent Project, during an American Enterprise Institute webinar on Tuesday. One example of failure occurred when the government’s unempl

Policymakers Urge Better Broadband Maps, Seek Funding for ‘Rip and Replace,’ and Tout Open Radio Networks
October 23, 2020 — Policymakers called for more accurate broadband maps, continued progress against robocalls, and the use of an open radio access network for advanced wireless communications at the Competitive Carriers Association’s policy forum on Wednesday. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roge

Broadband Roundup: Mobile World Congress Cancelled, Yang Bows Out, Ajit Pai at Wind River Tribe
The world’s largest trade show for mobile communications was canceled Wednesday due to the organizers’ uncertainty that it could guarantee the health of its attendees, according to a CNBC article. The move was prompted by high-profile dropouts from the conference announced earlier in the day. Amazon

Wireless 5G Broadband and Everywhere Connectivity is the Buzz at the Consumer Electronics Show
LAS VEGAS, January 9, 2018 – Here at the Consumer Electronics Show, it’s impossible to avoid being bombarded by the energy – real and imagined – surrounding the 5G wireless standard that is just beginning to be deployed. Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg made the communications company’s efforts to nurture,

Public-Private Partnerships, Local Involvement Central to Colorado Broadband Success
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2018 – Colorado broadband officials stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in extending broadband access to unserved Americans in rural areas, and expressed doubts that the so-called fifth-generation wireless standard dubbed 5G will be the answer to closing the di

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum, What is This Project Fi That Google’s Done?
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Last week Google announced three new phones on its Project Fi network. Which raises the question (particularly for those iPhone users blocked out of the project) about what on earth is Project Fi, and how does it work? In sum, it’s Google’s version of a virtual mobile ne

Ajit Pai Comes to Senate Oversight Hearing, Defends his More Limited Vision of FCC Authority
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2017 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai defended his very vision of the agency’s role, as compared with his predecessor, during the first Senate Commerce Committee oversight hearing this year. The difference in attitude between Pai and former Chairman Tom Whe
Broadband Roundup: A Spectrum Efficiency Challenge, Comcast Comments, Verizon Vexes Industry
WASHINGTON, October 7, 2014 – Federal Communications Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and wireless industry pioneer Marty Cooper took to the opinion page of the San Jose Mercury News to offer their thoughts on the future of wireless spectrum. As they emphasized the importance and centrality of mobil
Broadband Roundup: Baltimore Fiber, T-Mobile Throttling, and Cybersecurity Legislation Concerns
WASHINGTON, July 3, 2014 – Leaders of the Baltimore Broadband Campaign are saying that Comcast has a monopoly over fast internet services in the city of Baltimore. Over a course of two years, Comcast customers pay about $1,000 for standard “triple play service, write Philip Spevak, Stan Wilson and A
Broadband Roundup: Wireless Data Exploding, Will Sprint Succeed with T-Mobile, Cybersecurity Bill
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2014 – A new study by Wireless Association CTIA reported that between 2012 and 2013, mobile traffic and data increased by 120 percent. That’s 383 times the data usage from 2008. The result was $331 billion worth of investments into wireless networks last year, according to the a
American Energy
American energy production has increased substantially over the past few years.

Nuclear
As data centers proliferate, Nuclear Energy is potentially ready for a revival.
Crypto
Cryptographic technologies and blockchain ledgers are driving a new era of decentralized finance.

Energy
The rapid rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence has placed an unprecedented strain on America’s energy grid.

Hearing Examines Implementation of Incentive Auction
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2013 — The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing Tuesday on the upcoming spectrum auction, focusing primarily on possible restrictions on larger carriers and efforts to ensure that broadcasters are treated fairly. The question of whether or not to im
Institute for Local Self-Reliance Releases Wireless Fact Sheet to Educate Policy Makers
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2013 – The Institute for Local Self-Reliance released a fact sheet describing the basic principles behind wireless internet technology and policy on June 17. The fact sheet defines the basic terminology associated with wireless internet such as fixed wireless and data caps. It de
New CEA Group Seeks to Set Standards to Reduce Distracted Driving
WASHINGTON, June 20, 2013 – The Consumer Electronics Association announced the formation of a group that will work to establish industry standards for designing devices in ways that will minimize distraction while operating vehicles earlier this week. The group, created by the CEA’s Portable Handhel
AT&T CEO Urges Few Rules on Wireless Carriers’ Ability to Bid in Spectrum Auctions; Arkansas Sen. Mark Pryor Agrees
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2013 – Concerns over spectrum policy and data privacy dominated the conversation between AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson and Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., at a Wednesday panel on “Accelerating the Mobile Technology Revolution” at the Brookings Institution. Stephenson praised
MetroPCS Withdraws Legal Claims Against Federal Communications Commission Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2013 — Wireless provider MetroPCS moved last Friday to dismiss its claims in the lawsuit challenging the Federal Communication Commission’s net neutrality laws. In the motion, MetroPCS, which recently merged with T-Mobile, noted that the FCC and the Department of Justice had alre
FCC Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn Presents Plan for Spectrum Use at Wireless Convention
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2013 – Addressing spectrum demands and encouraging mobile innovation are the two keys to advancement in communications, said Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association 2013 convention in Las Vegas, Ne
Energy and Commerce Democrats Counter Republican Charges Over Spectrum-Bidding Measures
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2013 – On Thursday, Democratic Representatives Henry Waxman, Anna Eshoo, and Doris Matsui of California, plus Edward Markey of Massachusetts, Diana DeGette of Colorado, and Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania issued a letter to outgoing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Ge
Video: Mobile Health Broadband Breakfast Club – April 16th, 2013
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 – The broadband policy news and events service BroadbandBreakfast.com held its April 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club event: “Mobile Health: Will Wireless Devices Help Solve the Nation’s Health Crises?” on Tuesday, April 16th 2013 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place, 707
Participate in the Conversation on the Present and Future of Mobile Health at the April 16th Breakfast Club
WASHINGTON, Monday, April 8th, 2013 – The broadband policy news and events service BroadbandBreakfast.com will hold its April 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club event: “Mobile Health: Will Wireless Devices Help Solve the Nation’s Health Crises?” on Tuesday, April 16th 2013 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place, 70
Fiber
Fiber-optic technology is the gold standard for home or commercial broadband, and powers wireless connectivity, too.

Democracy
The internet has the potential to impact, and also to enhance, society's democratization.

Section 230
Section 230 is sometimes called the 26 words that created the internet.
Net Neutrality
Whether broadband providers may prioritize delivery of bits by the entities they own is a divisive topic.
Open Access
Open Access networks separate network operations from internet services. Ownership may also be separate from operations.
Funding
The pandemic has prompted a new era of funding for broadband infrastructure.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
Wireless
Wireless technologies are critical for mobile communications, and for being able to reach remote locations.
Satellite
Satellite broadband remains an option those areas beyond the reach of fiber, terrestrial or mobile wireless.
Universal Service
The Universal Service Fund, codified in 1996 with the Telecommunications Act, remains the foundation of universal access.
Data Center
Data Centers and Cloud Computing rely upon robust and high-speed upload and download internet speeds.

Tribal
Tribal leaders say the federal government has failed to uphold its trust responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of Native American tribes.
5G
The 5G wireless standard promises breakthrough in capacity, speed and dynamic spectrum-sharing capabilities.

WISP
Wireless Internet Service Providers play an important role in delivery of fixed wireless broadband.
Digital Inclusion
We need humans to make digital inclusion work.

Education
Technology, particularly broadband access and adoption, plays a vital role in K-12 and secondary education.

Health
The innovations of telehealth and mobile health care has transformed medicine and health care.

Public Safety
Ensuring that emergency communications are enabled with broadband is the next frontier in public safety.
Telework
Broadband internet service allows many people to work from almost anywhere.
Cybersecurity
Digital locks and keys are necessary, but not sufficient, to ensure cybersecurity.

Robocall
The scourge of robocalls is making America's once-vaunted telephone network less trustworthy.

BEAD
The BEAD program is implemented by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department.

Community Broadband
The last three years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of communities building publicly-owned, locally controlled infrastructure.
Privacy
The entire concept of privacy has been transformed by broadband and the internet.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Accurate broadband mapping and data has been central to America's broadband buildout.

Smart Cities
Cities of the future rely on high-speed internet access and advanced fiber and wireless connectivity.
Advanced Energy
The infrastructure necessary for advanced energy also powers the infrastructure necessary for high-speed internet.
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.
Drones
Drones and airborne transportation are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.
Antitrust
Antitrust has been re-invigorated by concern over the power of big technology, media and telecom companies.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is poised to transform humans' relationship with technology, and each other.
Social Media
Social media plays a powerful force in the lives of most adults and teenagers.

Free Speech
Debates about the role of free speech have been transformed by broadband internet services.

Chips
Semiconductors are the world’s new oil.
Spectrum
Whether licensed, unlicensed or shared, radio frequency spectrum is the critical resource for wireless communication.
Video from February’s Broadband Breakfast Club on Data Caps
WASHINGTON, Thursday, February 21st, 2013 – The broadband policy news and events service BroadbandBreakfast.com held its February 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club event “Data Caps, the Spectrum Crunch and the Wireless Home” this past Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place. Speakers in
FCC Wireless Telecom Bureau Chief to Keynote ‘Data Caps, the Spectrum Crunch and the Wireless Home’
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 – The broadband policy news and events service BroadbandBreakfast.com will hold its February 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club event: “Data Caps for Wireless Broadband, the Spectrum Crunch and the Wireless Home” on Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 at Clyde’s of Gall
Taking the Bully Pulpit at Technology Trade Show, Bill Clinton Touts Broadband and Cell Phones
LAS VEGAS, January 11, 2013 – Taking the stage here at the Consumer Electronics Show, former President Bill Clinton returned to a theme that he pioneered in the Oval Office: technology has the power to accelerate economic development and improve people’s lives. Whether through high-bandwidth capabil
Verizon Chief, on Brink of LTE and FiOS Deployment, Calls for ‘Powerful Answers’ on Broadband
LAS VEGAS, January 9, 2013 – Broadband is now so thoroughly integrated within electronic devices, and broadband providers have done so much to advance faster internet connectivity, that now has become the time to apply broadband to solve society’s toughest problems: health care, educational improvem
FCC Chairman Genachowski Touts ‘Incentive Auction’ as Big Win from Broadcasting to Wireless Broadband
LAS VEGAS, January 9, 2013 – When President Obama came to office nearly four years ago, the transition to digital television hadn’t yet been completed. Now, airwaves once used by broadcasters have been cleared for use by wireless companies. And the Federal Communications Commission is going forward
Video on Reforming the Universal Service Fund Tackled Connect America Fund and Mobility Fund
WASHINGTON, October 19, 2012 – The internet policy news and events service BroadbandBreakfast.com held its October 2012 Broadband Breakfast Club “Reforming the Universal Service Fund: What’s Changing?” on Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place, 707 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001 f
Digital Advertising and the 2012 Presidential Campaign at the Broadband Breakfast Club
WASHINGTON, June 20 2012 – Celebrating the fifth presidential cycle that the internet has played a role in the political campaign process, political pundits, strategists and communications experts came together Tuesday morning to analyze the next phase of the internet on the campaign trail. After 2
White Spaces, Special Access and mHealth: Last Week’s Policy Wrap Up
WASHINGTON Tuesday June 12, 2012 – Last week the Federal Communications Commission moved forward with white spaces reform free of challenges from the microphone industry, they took on special access reform and held a meeting of experts to address the future of wireless mHealth innovation. Broadband
What Challenges Are We Still Facing in Seniors Getting Online: What Have We Learned and What Are the Remaining Obstacles?
WASHINGTON Thursday May 17 2012 – Nearly two years after the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s (ARRA) broadband deployment and adoption projects were funded and the National Broadband Plan was adopted, we are still dealing with 100 million Americans who do not receive broadband in the home.
NTIA Plan to Repurpose 1755-1850MHz Band and its Challenges
WASHINGTON April 6, 2012 – Last week the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) announced their finding that 95 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum residing in the 1755-1850 MHz band can be repurposed for commercial wireless use. NTIA’s report was in response to a 2010 Memorandum
Leveraging Funding from Government Programs, Incentives to Share Information and Faster Broadband Speeds are Key to Maximizing Health IT Broadband
WASHINGTON, Friday March 23, 2012 – On Tuesday March 20th federal regulatory administrators, state health and broadband officials and private health IT and technology experts met in Washington to discuss “Maximizing US Health IT and Broadband Investment” at BroadbandBreakfast.com’s monthly breakfas
‘The Wired Home and Wireless Policy’ Breakfast – Convergence Legislation and Consumer Adoption
WASHINGTON January 17, 2012 – BroadbandBreakfast.com kicked off a new year of the Broadband Breakfast Club fresh off the heals of the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas with a Breakfast on “The Wired Home and Wired Policy” featuring the Presidents of four major technology and telecommunications trad
States Take Aim at USF and ICC reform
WASHINGTON December 8, 2011 – Wednesday TheHill.com reported that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission filed suit against the Federal Communications Commission for it’s Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to reform the Universal Service Fund and Intercarrier Compensation regime. T
Possible AT&T Concessions to Save Its Merger with T-Mobile
WASHINGTON, December 5, 2011 – With its proposed merger facing roadblocks on two fronts, AT&T has withdrawn its Federal Communications Commission application in order to focus on the Department of Justice’s antitrust suit. One of the ways that AT&T may try to gain the DOJ’s approval would be to sell
Broadband Breakfast Serves a Thanksgiving Leftover Wrap-Up
WASHINGTON, November 25 2011 – As we all sit and digest post Thanksgiving, Broadband Breakfast can finally wrap up some stories that we have been interested in over the past couple of weeks but have not had time to get around to. We wanted to draw attention to a couple of the stories below and […]
The Connect America Fund: Statements and Highlights from the FCC Commissioners
WASHINGTON, Friday October 28, 2011. The Federal Communication Commission unanimously voted to overhaul its outdated the Universal Service Fund and reform its intercarrier compensation fund at yesterday morning’s Open Commission Meeting. The FCC predicts that an effort to expand high speed interne
Forbes Mercy Including Fixed Wireless in the USF Discussion
WASHINGTON, DC October 24, 2011 – Forbes Mercy, President of Washington Broadband Inc and WISPA VP/ Legislative Chair shared some thoughts and comments with BroadbandBreakfast.com after our panel on “Bringing Broadband Infrastructure to Rural Areas: Where is the Progress?” You can watch the video of
Wireless Consumer Usage Notification Guidelines Agreed to by Industry and Consumer Groups
WASHINGTON Monday October 17, 2011 – FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, CTIA The Wireless Association’s President and CEO Steve Largent and Consumers Union’s Policy Counsel Parul Desai held a press conference at Brookings Institute yesterday morning to announce new “Wireless Consumer Usage Notificati
AT&T’s Newly Proposed Economic Model For Merger Riles Opposition
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2011 – Sen. Al Franken (D-MN.) sent a filing to the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice Tuesday requesting the denial of the merger between wireless carriers AT&T and T-Mobile.
Less than 24 hours after AT&T submitted its most recent economic model to
Analysis: Consumers Still Confused About New 4G LTE Systems
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2011- Both AT&T and Verizon taken steps to to deploy their 4G LTE networks in recent months, with Sprint and T-Mobile heavily advertising their existing 4G technologies. With rampant speculation regarding the iPhone 5 industry watchers have predicted that consumers would be clam
Pricing Info for Tiered Verizon Data Plans Leaked
WASHINGTON June 23, 2011- The Android Central blog leaked Wednesday what it claims are internal Verizon Wireless documents that show details of tiered data pricing for wireless plans to be released in July. Verizon Wireless stated last year that it would have to eventually transition away from unli
State Department Funds Shadow Internet Networks to Protect Free Speech Rights
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2011 – The U.S. State Department has acknowledged funding the establishment of independent “shadow” internet and cell-phone networks in countries with oppressive regimes, according to a Sunday New York Times article. The effort is part of a broader “liberation technology moveme
Expert Opinion: Why the FCC should deny the AT&T / T-Mobile Merger
In order for the Federal Communications Commission to approve the mega-merger between AT&T and T-Mobile, AT&T has to make a showing that the merger is in the public interest. Despite AT&T’s declaration that this merger is the most pro-consumer, pro-innovation and pro-investment solution to America’s
Congress Seeks Winning Design for Proposed Spectrum Auctions
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2011 – The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology explored legislation Wednesday that would encourage the voluntary participation of broadcast companies and wireless providers in spectrum auctions. “There is a looming spectrum crisis, and we must get additional spectrum i
Cisco Predicts Four-Fold Growth in IP Traffic Over Next Four years
WASHINGTON June 2, 2011 – Cisco predicted the next four years of global broadband consumption via virtual forum when it unveiled its annual visual networking index Wednesday. Each year Cisco produces a networking index that predicts internet use and broadband consumption for the next five years. Wh
AT&T Announces LTE Launch
WASHINGTON May 25, 2011 – AT&T announced Wednesday that it will upgrade its HPSA+ network to Long Term Evolution (LTE) in five major markets starting this summer, representing the company’s first steps into adopting the standard on its nationwide network. LTE networks represent upgraded technology
T-Mobile to Double 4G Speeds in 55 Markets
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2011 – Wireless phone and Internet provider T-Mobile announced Tuesday that its fastest wireless broadband speeds would increase twofold in more than 50 markets, starting Wednesday. The company boasts speeds up to 42 megabits per second (Mbps) available on the improved 4G networ
Technology Policy Institute Panel Discusses Spectrum Incentive Auctions
WASHINGTON May 24, 2011- The Technology Policy Institute assembled auction experts Monday to discuss the value and mechanics of proposed spectrum incentive auctions. “Markets work best when there are rules for the market players to act within,” said Peter Cramton, Professor of Economics, University
May Broadband Breakfast Explores AT&T/T-Mobile Merger
WASHINGTON May 18, 2011 – Broadband Breakfast gathered former Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice officials along with leading industry experts to explore how the government will scrutinize the AT&T T-Mobile merger. Will the FCC or the Justice Department Be Tougher on the
ITIF Panel: FCC Needs to Address Spectrum Needs
WASHINGTON May 18, 2011 – The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation assembled a unique group of economists, legislative aides and engineers on Tuesday to explore how best to allocate this scarce resource.
LightSquared to Launch Nationwide Wholesale LTE Network
WASHINGTON May 13, 2011 – The New America Foundation gathered key industry experts on Thursday to discuss whether satellite spectrum should be reclassified so that it can be used for the expansion of terrestrial mobile broadband. With the spectrum crunch that many experts anticipate, many industry
Senators Grill Mobile CEOs on AT&T/T-Mobile Merger
WASHINGTON May 12, 2011- The Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights assembled leading mobile CEOs Wednesday to explore the proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile. “The proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile will bring together two of the four remaining nation
Experts Debate Incentive Auctions at Brookings
WASHINGTON May 6, 2011 -The Brookings Institution gathered key industry and government experts Thursday to discuss how solve the impending spectrum crunch through voluntary incentive auctions.
FCC Probes Industry on USF Modernization
WASHINGTON April 28, 2011 – The Federal Communications Commission gathered key industry experts on Wednesday to explore the different ways that the Universal Service Fund can be modernized to effectively deploy high speed broadband to rural America.
Genachowski Addresses Economic Club of Washington
WASHINGTON April 21, 2011- Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski visited the Economic Club of Washington Wednesday to answer questions that covered spectrum auctions and the impending merger between AT&T and T-Mobile. “To continue our growth in mobile broadband we need to fr
New America Foundation and Consumers Union Discuss Wireless Interoperability
WASHINGTON April 18, 2011 – The New America Foundation, in cooperation with the Consumers Union, gathered representatives from the leading wireless services providers and consumers groups on Wednesday to discuss how requiring mobile broadband service providers to interoperate would affect consumer c
Copps, Clyburn Push Media Reform In Boston
BOSTON, April 11, 2011 – Speaking to a standing-room only crowd on Friday afternoon, Federal Communications Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn addressed media consolidation and broadband deployment before fielding questions at a town hall meeting during Free Press’s National Conference f
5 Questions With: Ben Huh On Net Neutrality
BOSTON, April 11, 2011 – During the Free Press National Conference on Media Reform in Boston over the weekend, Managing Editor, Jonathan Charnitski sat down with Cheezburger Network owner and CEO, Ben Huh, to find out how the debate over net neutrality shapes one of the largest – and funniest – user
FCC Addresses Wireless Buildout Issues At Monthly Meeting
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2011 – The Federal Communications Commission passed a series of measures aimed at expanding mobile broadband access at its April open meeting on Thursday.
Wireless Communications Association International Holds 4G Caucus
WASHINGTON, April 7, 2011 – The Wireless Communications Association International, a technology-neutral broadband advocacy organization, gathered industry experts to discuss next generation fourth generation wireless technology on Wednesday.
Analysis: For AT&T, It’s All About The Spectrum
WASHINGTON March 29, 2011 – With the acquisition of T-Mobile, AT&T may be not only solving a long standing question about where it would find the spectrum to deploy its planned 4G network, but also make a leap in its public image. Currently, AT&T uses a band of spectrum not supported by any other c
Georgetown, Columbia Programs Gather Experts To Discuss National Broadband Plan
WASHINGTON March 21, 2011 – The Columbia Institute for Tele-Information and Georgetown University’s Communication Culture and Technology Program gathered government officials and industry experts Friday to debate the federal government’s implementation of the National Broadband Plan.
AT&T Announces $39B Deal To Acquire T-Mobile
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2011 – Nationwide wireless carrier, AT&T announced Sunday that it had finalized an agreement to acquire competitor T-Mobile from Deutsche Telekom for $39 billion in cash and stock. The deal between the nation’s second- and fourth-largest carriers would likely create the larges
Verizon Launches First 4G Phone, Wins Race with AT&T
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2011 – Verizon launched its first 4G capable phone Thursday, marking the first step into the next generation of high-speed wireless by one of the two biggest wireless carriers in the U.S.
Analysis: Apple Widens Tablet Market Gap With iPad 2, But Will Wireless Benefit?
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2011 – Apple’s initial iPad 2 sales and projections for 2011 say while that Apple probably will not face much competition in tablet sales, the competition for wireless data plans for the device are heating up. Apple sold over 15 million of the original iPad, and brisk resales
Expert Opinion: How to Bring More Handsets to More Carriers
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2011 – Despite fanfare regarding the end of exclusivity for the Apple iPhone with the launch of a CDMA version, the reality is that many carriers are still unable to attain certain devices. While the majority of current subscribers now have access to the once-exclusive iPhone,
Media Access Project Panel Debates Spectrum Auctions
WASHINGTON March 14, 2011 – The Media Access Project, a public interest law firm specializing in telecommunications matters, brought together leading industry experts Friday to explore issues surrounding potential spectrum auctions. The goal of the proposed auctions is to free up spectrum for use by
Legislators Introduce Bills To Restrict State Wireless Taxes
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011 – Legislators in the House and Senate introduced companion bills that would prohibit states from levying new taxes specific to wireless services in an effort to keep barriers to access for mobile internet services low.
Ookla Unveils Revamped Speedtest.net
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2011 – Ookla, the company that owns and manages the connection testing website, Speedtest.net, relaunched the site Monday with an updated look and new functionality to better record consumer connection data.
Cisco Study Shows Wireless Data Use Rising Faster Than Expected
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2011 – A study to track and forecast trends in the global mobile network that was released by Cisco Systems last month shows that mobile internet traffic is rising faster than expected.
Kerry, Snowe Introduce Bill To Improve Spectrum Efficiency, Management
WASHINGTON March 2, 2011 – Two members of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet introduced new legislation Wednesday that would modernize the nation’s radio spectrum planning and management.
Joint Center Convenes Panel to Promote Adoption for Underserved Communities
WASHINGTON March 2, 2011 – Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies held a panel on Wednesday on how the federal government should promote broadband adoption and access to underserved communities. The panel served as an update the National Broadband Plan, which came out one year ago.
NTIA, FCC Release National Broadband Map and Digital Nation Report
WASHINGTON February 17, 2011- The National Telecommunications and Information Administration in conjunction with the Federal Communications Commission unveiled the National Broadband Map along with an update to the Digital Nation report this morning. The map is available at http://www.broadbandmap.g
FCC Bureau Chiefs Report To NARUC On Commission Activities
WASHINGTON February 16, 2011 – Officials from the Federal Communications Commission updated the telecommunications subcommittee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners on the current state of wireless, public safety and wireline competition at the Association’s yearly convent
NARUC Panel Supports USF Reform
WASHINGTON February 15, 2011 – On Monday, the Telecommunications Subcommittee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners gathered a diverse group of experts to discuss the Proposed Rulemaking on Universal Service Fund Reform the Federal Communications Commission recently issued.
NARUC Panel Explores Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, February 15, 2011 – The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Committee on Telecommunications convened a panel of industry experts Monday morning to discuss the Federal Communications Commission’s recently issued Open Internet Order and its legal ramifications.
Verizon iPhone Not Threatening AT&T Market Share Yet, Say Analysts
WASHINGTON, February 14, 2011 – Initial reports from market analysts show mixed reactions to the Verizon iPhone launch last week and its possible effects on AT&T’s share in the wireless marketplace.
Obama Likens Broadband To Electricity, Rails In Michigan Speech
WASHINGTON, February 10, 2011 – President Obama drew comparisons between high-speed Internet, the railroads and the electric grid during a speech in Marquette, Michigan on Thursday afternoon, commenting on their essential nature to the economy and calling for a renewed investment in broadband infras
Obama to Outline High-Speed Wireless Plan Thursday in Michigan
WASHINGTON, February 10, 2011 – President Obama is scheduled to deliver a speech at Northern Michigan University, Thursday, detailing his plan to catalyze his State of the Union pledge to deliver wireless Internet to 98 percent of Americans within five years. In addition to spurring businesses to r
Verizon Tweaks Data Policies in Anticipation of iPhone Launch
WASHINGTON, February 3, 2011 – Verizon announced Thursday two major changes to its wireless internet policies that will allow the carrier to handle a higher volume of traffic only days before the launch of the Verizon-compatible iPhone. In order to “provide customers the best experience,” the carri
AT&T Brings Back Unlimited iPhone Data Plan – For Some
WASHINGTON, January 28, 2011 – Wireless provider AT&T has reportedly begun allowing some of its iPhone customers to switch to an unadvertised unlimited data plan in an apparent effort to retain customers just ahead of competitor Verizon’s launch of the popular handset. Apple fan sites are reporting
Verizon Breaks iPhone Exclusivity; Paves Way for Smaller Carriers
NEW YORK, January 25, 2011 – Verizon announced earlier this month that it declined to sign an exclusive deal with Apple to carry the iPhone, opening the door for other carriers to introduce the popular handset on their own networks. The new arrangement with Verizon breaks a three-year exclusivity de
FCC Establishes LTE Standard for Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network
WASHINGTON, January 25, 2011 – The FCC issued an order Tuesday at its January open meeting that set a 4G common standard for a nationwide, interoperable, public safety mobile broadband network. The Order, which addressed changes recommended by the 9/11 Commission Report, would require the use of a L
MetroPCS Accused of Violating Open Internet Order
Consumer groups sent a letter to the FCC last week accusing low-cost carrier, MetroPCS, of violating the Open Internet Order by limiting user access to services. The Center for Media Justice, Free Press, Media Access Project, New America Foundation and Presente.org submitted a letter to the Federal
LTE Growing Faster Than Ever
Long Term Evolution is growing faster than any other mobile platform in history, according to a recent report from the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA). The GSA report includes both variants of LTE: Time Division Duplex and Frequency Division Duplex. Mobile carriers are developing 128 netw
T-Mobile UK Limits Usage to 500MB
T-Mobile UK has announced a major change in the content which their users will be allowed to access. In an effort to alleviate congestion on the network users will have unlimited access up to 500MB. After that point users will no longer be able to access streaming video or download content they will
4G is 4G… Or Is It?
With the growth of mobile broadband the availability of 4G is becoming more important to consumers; however the term 4G is being used so differently by each of the mobile providers that soon it may be very difficult for consumers to compare mobile broadband offerings. As 4G networks are deployed, th
Wireless Industry, Broadcasters Clash over Incentive Auctions at CES
LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2011 – Industry and government representatives debated the future of spectrum policy during a panel discussion at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Friday and highlighted the controversy over the FCC’s proposed incentive auctions. Rick Boucher introduced the discussion w
Chairman Genachowski Outlines FCC Goals at Consumer Electronics Show
LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2011 – FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski highlighted the Commission’s successes in the 111th Congress and looked to its goals in the 112th during a discussion with at the Consumer Electronics Show on Friday. The conversation between the Chairman and the Consumer Electronics Ass
Las Vegas: Ground Zero For the Battle of 4G Wireless Technologies
LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2011 – After last week’s slew of press conferences and unveilings, the latest new products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) left little doubt: 2011 will be “The Year of 4G.” In fact, CES 2011 was as much about the networks as it was about the devices themselves. As the
AT&T Announces 4G Update
AT&T has updated their 4G schedule to rollout field trials by the end of the year. John Stankey, president and CEO, AT&T Operations said: “AT&T has a key advantage in that LTE is an evolution of the existing GSM family of technologies that powers our network and the vast majority of the world’s glob
Support Dims for FCC Chairman’s Open Internet Proposal
WASHINGTON, December 21, 2010 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on Dec. 1 announced that there would be a set of open internet rules that his agency would vote on during its open meeting on Dec. 21. While many stakeholders in the debate initially were happy to learn tha
FCC Chief Soldiers on as ‘Captain Crunch’ in Effort to Alleviate Spectrum Shortage
WASHINGTON, October 21, 2010 – The Federal Communications Commission is highlighting the looming issue of “spectrum crunch” as smart phones and other data-hogging devices eat up valuable spectrum.
Fixed Mobile Convergence Expected to be Completed by 2015
LONDON, October 18, 2010 – Convergence between fixed and mobile broadband services will be virtually complete by 2015, unified by standards originally developed for multi-room television in the home, according to analyst group IMS Research in its report :Convergence in the World Home Entertainment M
Most Consumers Report ‘Bill Shock,’ FCC Plans Action
WASHINGTON, October 14, 2010 – It’s not a surprise that “bill shock” is a problem. The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday released a white paper on complaints it has received on the issue, which addresses a sudden, unexpected increase in the monthly mobile phone bill, even when a custome
Verizon to Tier LTE Data
WASHINGTON, September 23, 2010 – After months of hinting and speculation, Verizon Wireless CEO Ivan Seidenberg has told the Wall Street Journal that the firm would introduce tiered data pricing. Currently AT&T is the only firm to tier mobile data on handsets
Vilsack Announces $518 Million in Broadband Grants
WASHINGTON, September 13, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced 43 new broadband grants across 27 states. Overall, these grants will receive $518 million in government funding and $34.1 million in private investment.
FCC Lays Out Plans to Overhaul Universal Service Fund
WASHINGTON, September 7, 2010 – The Federal Communications Commission late last week laid out part of its plan to reform the universal service fund, including pushing Sprint and Nextel to live up to their commitments to surrender their high-cost universal support over five years.
India Wants Access to Communications Networks
WASHINGTON, September 3, 2010 – The Indian government has announced that it will give notice to all communications services that it would like access to their networks. In the aftermath of last year’s Mumbai terror attacks, the government wants to be able to access communications networks to monitor
Sen. Kerry Reaffirms Support for Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, September 2, 2010 – Massachusetts Democrat Sen. John Kerry has issued a statement strongly in support of network neutrality.
FCC Seeks Input on How to Treat Specialized Services, Mobile Broadband
WASHINGTON, September 1, 2010 – Sometimes, no matter what you do, things are complicated and you can’t please every one all the time. Welcome to the world of Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski who said Wednesday that his agency is seeking more public input on issues relate
Intel Buys German LTE Chip Maker
WASHINGTON, August 31, 2010 – Intel has announced that it will purchase German firm Infineon’s wireless chip division. Infineon’s wireless division primarily works with various LTE technologies.
WiMax Forum Agrees Upon WiMax2 Standard
WASHINGTON, August 17, 2010 – The WiMax Forum has announced that the WiMax 2 standard has been agreed upon. The official standard will be presented to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in November.
Sam’s Club to Offer Wi-Fi
WASHINGTON, August 17, 2010 – Sam’s Club has announced that will begin to provide Wi-Fi to its United States locations by the end of November. AT&T will provide the network.
“Our members are early adopters of technology and electronics, and we’re excited to deliver an improved experience
Telefónica O2 to Launch Long-Term Evolution Network
WASHINGTON August 16, 2010 – Telefónica O2 has announced that it will launch a pilot long-term evolution network in September. The network hardware will be provided by Nokia Siemans, which already has contracts to build 25 other trials worldwide.
T-Mobile to Wait Two Years to Launch 4G
WASHINGTON August 16, 2010- T-Mobile will wait two years to upgrade to 4G but will upgrade their existing 3G network to double its speed.
Qatar Telecom to Become Fastest in the Middle East
WASHINGTON August 13, 2010- Qatar Telecom enables 21Mbps wireless network.
Rostelecom to Launch LTE in Russia
WASHINGTON August 13, 2010- Russian telecom firm Rostelecom has announced plans to build an LTE network.
Telecom Italia to Expand Wireless Trial
WASHINGTON August 11, 2010- Telecom Italia has announced it will expand its testing of the Long Term Evolution technology, a fourth-generation wireless broadband standand, and which promises to provide speeds of up to 140 MBits.
Alaskan Senator’s Telecom Legacy Extends Beyond Fateful ‘Series of Tubes’ Comment
SAN FRANCISCO, August 11, 2010 – One of the more unfortunate pop-cultural legacies of Ted Stevens as far as telecommunications policy is concerned is his 2006 comment that the internet is like “a series of tubes.”
UAE Retreats from BlackBerry Ban, Germany Steps Forward With Concerns
The Saudi government has decided to back down from its threat to shutter the BlackBerry corporate messenger service in the United Arab Emirates, saying it is making progress in talks with device maker Research in Motion. Meanwhile, Germany’s interior minister told a German newspaper that the German
Google-Verizon Announcement Garners Wide Range of Reactions
WASHINGTON, August 10, 2010 – The announcement of a joint policy on network neutrality by Google and Verizon has garnered both criticism and support.
Google and Verizon Announce Joint Net Neutrality Policies
WASHINGTON, August 9, 2010- Google and Verizon have announced a joint statement of principles on network neutrality and hosted a conference call Monday to outline their effort to the press. Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg announced that this new policy calls for an open and t
T-Mobile Sued for Limiting ‘Unlimited’ Data Plan
WASHINGTON August 9, 2010 – T-Mobile is being sued in California for putting limits on their unlimited data plan. The firm advertises the plan as having an unlimited amount of web and email but in actuality puts limits on its users.
The main plaintiff states that T-Mobile sent him the following
Public Interest Groups Urge FCC to Protect Consumers
WASHINGTON August 9, 2010 -In an effort to promote the issue of network neutrality representatives from eight of the major public interest think tanks met with officials from the Federal Communications Commission.
Broadband Initiatives: Impact will depend on Wireless & Fixed Strategies
With the advent of continued proliferation from wireless coverage throughout the U.S., and the projected exponential growth in mobile access, adoption and affordability through LTE to 4G technology; the realities of serving less populated areas becomes increasingly more likely. The strides being mad
WiMax is Dead. Long Live WiMax?
WASHINGTON, August 5, 2010 – WiMax has always been seen as one of the ideal solutions to bring high-speed internet access to rural America, but it has yet to achieve its full potential. With the majority of mobile providers choosing long term evolution, or LTE, as their preferred 4G technology, WiMa
Hughes Net Launches Service in China
WASHINGTON, August 4, 2010 — Hughes Network Systems and China UnifiedNet have formed a joint venture called HughesNet China Co. Ltd.
Vilsack Announces Funding of 126 Broadband Projects
WASHINGTON August 4, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the funding of 126 new broadband projects with a funding total of $1.2 billion. The projects will span 38 states and a number of Native American tribal areas.
UAE BlackBerry Ban Highlights State Threat to Broadband Freedom
LONDON, August 4, 2010 – The plan announced this week by the United Arab Emirates to ban use of BlackBerry Messenger, e-mail and web browsing services by Oct. 11 unless the company allows it to access the encrypted messages on demand has drawn universal condemnation from freedom and privacy groups,
Pakistan Announces Potential 3G Auction
WASHINGTON, August 4, 2010 – Dr. Muhammad Yaseen, chair of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has announced that his group would be auctioning third-generation spectrum within three to four months.
Indonesian Government Rescinds Licenses of 4 WiMax Auction Winners
WASHINGTON August 3, 2010- The Indonesian government has repealed the licenses of four WiMax auction winners.
Cosmote to Launch Greece’s First LTE Network
WASHINGTON August 3, 2010 – Greek mobile provider Cosmote to launch a LTE network based just outside of Athens. The pilot network will span the suburbs of Marousi and Chalandri. It will then spread across Athens. The network will offers users speeds of up to 100Mbps down and 45Mbps up.
Clearwire to Sell Stake in Irish WiMax Provider
WASHINGTON August 2, 2010 – Clearwire will sell its majority share of Irish WiMax provider Imagine Communications Group.
Vodafone Essar to Launch 3G Network in India by end of 2010
WASHINGTON August 2, 2010- Indian mobile provider Vodafone Essar is set to launch a new 3G network by the end of the year.
Uzbekistan to Get LTE Network
WASHINGTON, August 2, 2010- Russian owned Mobile TeleSytems has announced this week that it will be launching a LTE network in Uzbekistan. The network will be the first of its kind in central Asia and the first non-TeleSonera owned network.
San Francisco Partners with Motorola On New LTE System
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2010 – San Francisco area public officials have announced that they would enter into a partnership with Motorola to construct a 700 MegaHerz LTE system – one of 21 in the country granted the right to do so by the FCC.
Best Buy to Offer Mobile Broadband Through Clearwire
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2010 – Best Buy’s new mobile broadband service provider, Best Buy Connect, will be adding 4G options to its customers.
Verizon Smartphones Consume More Data than AT&T iPhone
WASHINGTON July 29, 2010- Consumer research firm Validas has just released data from a recent consumer survey which shows that on average Verizon Smartphone users consume more data than AT&T iPhone users.
Gabon to Holds 3G Auction
WASHINGTON July 27, 2010 – Gabon will be holding a 3G auction. Bids have a deadline of September 30th.
Algeria to Hold 4G License Auction
WASHINGTON July 27, 2010 – In an effort to expand its broadband connectivity the African nation of Algeria will hold a 4G license auction next year. Currently the nation only has three mobile providers; Qtel, Wataniya Telecom Algeria, Orascom Telecom Algeria, and the state owned Algerie Telecom Mobi
FCC FDA Joint Meeting Discusses Challenges, Successes of Broadband in Healthcare
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2010 – A panel of industry representatives from companies manufacturing new broadband-capable medical tools said they were looking for ways to have these technologies integrated into the current medical systems.
Americans Tap Into Mobile Networks to Share World Cup Experience
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2010 – Americans were among the largest group of people visiting South Africa during the World Cup soccer match played in June, according to mobile phone data from Aicent. More than 60 percent of Aicent’s data traffic came from customers of GSM operators in the United States, sa
Hughes Network Systems to Provide Secure Broadband for Chevron
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2010- Chevron gas and convenience stores will be getting an edge on their competition by offering new broadband services. Hughes Network Systems will be the provider for Chevron’s secure managed broadband systems, which will include connection capabilities for DSL, cable, satel
Subaru to Embed Wifi Hotspot in Cars
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2010 – Subaru is making its foray into the internet age with its new hotspot technology. The new Subaru Mobile Internet system creates a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten users with a radius of 150 feet with a 3G connection provided by Autonet Mobile, and Subaru covers the first thre
Value Added Services to Raise $140 Billion in Revenues
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2010 – Informa Telecoms & Media predicts that data plans and app stores are going to drive revenues up $140 billion over the next 4 years in emerging markets. Value-added-service – or anything above simply voice service – revenues were $200 billion in 2009 and, according to new
LightSquared to Launch New LTE Network
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2010- LightSquared, a new broadband wireless data network, is expected to cover 92 percent of the United States population with LTE by 2015. Private-equity firm Harbinger Capital Partners announced its LightSquared network on July 20, and is expected to officially launch the ne
Is Apple Big Brother?
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2010 – Buried within a 40 page privacy policy Apple says that it will share location data with its partners. “Apple and our partners and licensees may collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device.” W
Internet Access on the Rise, According to Pew Study
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2010 – According to a study of general Internet and phone use released by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, “African-Americans and Latinos continue to outpace whites in their use of data applications on handheld devices.” Among other things, the study found that wherea
Cisco’s Kevin Shatzkamer Discusses the Future of Mobile Video
Kevin Shatzkamer is the Chief Architect for Cisco Mobility and speaks to the mobile research Cisco has developed in helping Mobile Service Providers reach their ROI goals and objectives in projecting an increasingly demand driven market.
World Cup and Mobility
Q. How will current World Cup viewership demand impact the
FCC Speed Test Surpasses 1 Million Results
WASHINGTON July 19, 2010- The Federal Communications Commission is reporting that their online speed test at www.testmyisp.com has surpassed 1 million tests. In a blog post Broadband Task Force Attorney- Advisor Jordan Usdan writes, “We are pleased with the popularity of these tools and we look for
Nokia Siemens to Acquire Motorola Infrastructure Assets for $1.2 Billion
WASHINGTON July 19, 2010 – Nokia Siemans is set to acquire Motorola’s network infrastructure assets for $1.2 billion in cash. The firms will finalize the deal by the end of the year. With the purchase Nokia Siemans will become the “#3 wireless infrastructure vendor in the United States, the #1 forei
Cisco Courts Consumers at Home and at Work
Cisco’s mantra continues to be about networking and collaboration, and that is what it continues to offer consumers and busy executives with an array of products.
Campgrounds See Controversial Increase in Wi-Fi Availability
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2010- Campgrounds are increasingly becoming more connected to internet and cell phone service, making some visitors feel like they cannot escape their work and responsibilities. Companies that provide Wi-Fi connections to campgrounds are seeing gains in business from these outd
Cathay Pacific to Offer in Flight Wifi
WASHINGTON July 12, 2010- Cathay Pacific is the latest airline to announce inflight Wifi for passengers. The airline has partnered with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to equip the entire Cathay Pacific fleet with high speed internet connections. Each aircraft will receive a 50Mbps connection which
Cable’s move into Mobile: Calculated and Deliberate
Image via CrunchBase
If you believe Cable Operators are not thinking about Mobile Networks and what kind of synergies could bring them increased cash-flow in the future, then you’ve probably missed the obvious signs laid out since 2008.
Strategic Partnerships
Starting with their investment in Clearwire in 2008, companies
Russia’s Telecom Regulator Changes Policy on Wi-Max Frequencies
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2010 – Russia’s telecommunications regulator Roskomnadzor this week reversed its longstanding policy requiring that frequencies allocated for Wimax not be used in the development of other technology. This move comes as Russian Wimax operator Scartel and Russian national operator
LTE to see Large Gains in 2011
WASHINGTON July 8, 2010- A recent report by ABI Research entitled “Wireless Spectrum, Services, and Technology Deployment Market Data” shows that 2011 will be the year of LTE. Even though WiMax has been declining in popularity it will still hold a major share of the high speed mobile broadband marke
NARUC Proposes Fourth Way
WASHINGTON July 7, 2010- National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) has just released a draft of its proposed resolutions for their summer meeting. The organization is proposing a fourth way of regulating broadband and would like the federal government to take a hands off appro
EMobile to Offer 42Mbps Mobile Broadband Network
WASHINGTON July 7, 2010- EMobile one of Japan’s leading mobile broadband providers has just announced that it will now offer an HSPA network with speeds of 42Mbps.
Femtocell Technology Gains Mass Appeal for Mobile Broadband
LONDON, July 6, 2010 – Fewer than 10 percent of U.S. consumers are familiar with the term femtocell, but when told about their benefits, 56 percent like what they hear and are prepared to pay their cell phone provider a premium for them.
Minneapolis to Offer Free Wi-Fi
WASHINGTON June 30, 2010- Minneapolis will soon offer free Wi-Fi to its residents. The city has announced the deployment of 117 hotspots around the city for a project they are calling “Wireless Minneapolis”.
Best Buy to Offer Mobile Broadband
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2010 –Best Buy will soon offer a mobile broadband service running on the Sprint 3g network.
Cisco Executive Sees Big Progress in African Broadband Adoption
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2010 – Broadband adoption in Africa has historically lagged when ranked globally, but its use has been growing steadily in recent years, said Yvon Le Roux, Cisco vice president for Africa and Levant. In an interview conducted by Cisco’s internal news bureau, Le Roux said there’s
Verizon to Launch Public LTE Trial
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2010 – Verizon Wireless has officially ended its technical trials of super speedy technology known as Long Term Evolution, or LTE, and has now decided to move onto user trials.
FCC Announces Wireless World Travel Week
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2010 – It is Wireless World Travel Week, and for the 60 million Americans who make trips each year, the FCC and wireless companies are giving tips on how to save money on international wireless use.
Why offering the Quad Play would help Cable’s Stock Price
Image via Wikipedia
The mobile phone market is growing exponentially and will continue to evolve for years to come. Why has the Cable Industry not moved into the lucrative mobile phone market? It could definitely be a revenue bonanza, as it currently is for telecom companies. See (The cable company
Reliance Industries to Enter Mobile Broadband Market
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2010- Reliance Industries has announced that it has purchased a large share of Infotel Broadband Services. The firm was one of the biggest winners of the recent Broadband Wireless Auction that India held to sell spectrum rights for the use of wireless broadband access. Infotel w
FCC Commissioner Baker Criticizes Chairman’s Plan
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2010 – Federal Communications Commission member Meredith Baker criticized a regulatory recommendation offered by her agency’s chairman, saying it’s draining resources from dealing with the National Broadband Plan and that it’s not a bipartisan effort.
Cisco Predicts IP traffic to Exceed by 767 Exabytes in Four Years
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2010 – Last week Cisco released its Visual Networking Index which looks at how internet traffic will evolve over the next five years. They predict that “Annual global IP traffic will exceed three-quarters of a zettabyte (767 exabytes) in four years. Global IP traffic grew 45 perc
AT&T to Expand Wi-Fi Network
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2010 – Telecom giant AT&T may have angered many of its customers last week by announcing the end to its unlimited mobile broadband plan but it has tried to temper this by expanding its Wi-Fi network. It has chosen to setup a pilot location in New York City’s Times Square. The fir
Experts Debate Lack of Transparency in Federal Spectrum Policy
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2010 – Experts gathered last week to discuss problems surrounding transparency in federal spectrum policy and the challenges in addressing the issue. A recurring point of contention was the question of how to raise governmental consciousness of the price of spectrum, so as to pre
AT&T Eyeing Stake in Indian Mobile Company
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2010 –Telecom giant AT&T is in talks with Reliance Communications, one of India’s top mobile phone firms, to possibly purchase a minority share in the firm. Reliance was one of the few companies in the recent spectrum auction in India to obtain large sections of the Broadband Wir
Broadband May Meet Its Match During World Cup
LONDON, June 7, 2010 – Several factors are conspiring to make the 2010 football World Cup a testing time for Europe’s fixed and mobile broadband networks. The soccer tournament kicks off June 11 in South Africa. Europe has six of the world’s top eight footballing nations competing, and fanatical pop
Nation’s Capital to Get WiMax
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2010- Clearwire has recently launched its WiMax service in the nation’s capitol, making it the 33rd city to obtain the service. WiMax – unlike WiFi – is able to cover miles of land with only a single tower. The service boasts speeds of 6 megabits per second down and 1 mbps up. Pl
Cablevision to Expand Optimum Wi-Fi
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2010 – New York based ISP Cablevision has announced that it will seek permission from New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority to expand its Optimum Wifi network to include the Long Island Railroad and metro north. This expansion would be fully funded by Cablevision. These new s
When It Comes to Spectrum, Can We Make Nice and Share?
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2010 – The issue of spreading around communications spectrum so that businesses, consumers and others can perform and innovate effectively was discussed as a conference hosted by Public Knowledge on Thursday.
London Mayor Seeks to Blanket City in Wi-Fi
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2010 – With the London Olympics a mere two years away, Mayor Borris Johnson has announced that the city soon will be fully covered in Wi-Fi.
Verizon to Seek Rural Partners as It Rolls Out More Robust Network
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2010 – Verizon plans to blanket the nation with a faster communications network and is looking for help in rural areas. In addition to seeking partners, the firm has reportedly been in talks to share its spectrum.
Skype to Charge for Mobile VoIP
WASHINGTON June 2, 2010 – Starting in 2011, Skype will begin charging users to make mobile Skype-to-Skype calls.
AT&T to Tier Mobile Broadband Offerings
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2010 – AT&T today announced a major change to its mobile broadband plans. It has shifted from its current unlimited plan to a two-tiered meter based plan. The new tiers will be 200 megabits and 2 gigabytes.
Emergency First Responders Suffer from Lack of Interoperable Communications Equipment
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2010 – Emergency first responders should be able to use similar technological standards on their equipment so that they can effectively communicate during times of crisis, but rapidly evolving technology makes it difficult to stay in sync, said experts at a Thursday House hearing
Mobile VoIP users to exceed 100 million by 2012
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2010 – Juniper Research released a study today that predicts the rapid development of mobile Voice Over IP (VoIP) services such as Skype, and finding that there is a direct correlation between the availability of third-generation (3G) and increased use of mobile VoIP.
BroadbandBreakfast.com Launches New Series: ‘The Intellectual Property Breakfast Club’
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2010 – BroadbandBreakfast.com, a broadband and internet technology news service on Monday – Intellectual Property Day – launched a new series of breakfast events entitled “The Intellectual Property Breakfast Club.” [http://ipbreakfast.eventbrite.com] The series, which will occ
Broadband Begins to Take Hold in Central and Eastern Europe
LONDON, April 20, 2010 – Broadband is making strong inroads in Central and Eastern Europe, thanks to government and other incentives for providers to offer service in these previously bypassed areas.
Cable Trends: Predicting Stock Value as a Percentage of Division
Cable industry stocks, like all tech stocks, have seen their ups and downs when it comes to performance. The industry has been through periods of high infrastructure spending, acquisitions and divestitures, increased programming costs, higher retransmission costs, and competitive pressures, each pla
TPRC Panelists Agree on Need for Better Broadband Data
ARLINGTON, Va., September 25, 2009 – In a panel about the socio-economic impacts of broadband, panelists all agreed that the overwhelming limiting factor in proving the benefits to broadband was the lack of solid broadband data.
This Week in Mobile Broadband: June 21, 2009
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2009 – In the latest installment of “This Week in Mobile Broadband,” BroadbandCensus.com Reporter Alex Tcherkassky discusses the domestic broadband aircard plans of the “big four” carriers, and a new entrant on the D.C. space.
Rural Mobile Group Pushes 'Bill of Rights' for Broadband Users
WASHINGTON, March 25, 2009 – A consortium of broadband interest groups calling itself the Rural Mobile Broadband Alliance (RuMBA) USA, on Wednesday announced its “Broadband Bill of Rights.”