open access

Verizon, Free Press Duel over Tethering Complaints

Stevie Converse — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:31:24 -0400

Full article: Broadband Reports
Karl Bode
The FCC formally acknowledged the Free Press complaint against Verizon for blocking tethering services. Verizon responded that it has not violated conditions placed on its spectrum. The company is banking on sliding through loopholes in the FCC rules.

Smartphone Makers Bow to Demands for More Openness

Lindsy Embree — Tue, 31 May 2011 09:24:55 -0400

Full article: Wired
Mike Issac
For many Android enthusiasts, "openness" is almost an 11th commandment. So when manufacturers began restricting full access to Android smartphones a couple years ago, many saw it as a cardinal sin. Good news for you smartphone modders: Some manufacturers are beginning to see the light.

Did Google Pre-Emptively Block a 4G iPhone on Verizon?

Lindsy Embree — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:54:39 -0500

Full article: Wired
Ryan Singel
In 2008, after much protest, Verizon accepted openness conditions attached to valuable spectrum being auctioned off by the FCC, and spent $4.7 billion to buy nationwide capacity that would ensure it could build a robust 4G network for the next generation of mobile devices. But in doing so, Verizon may have screwed itself out of ever being able to offer a 4G-capable iPhone.

Jailbreaking Your iPhone: Now Perfectly Legal

Lindsy Embree — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:02:07 -0400

Full article: Free Press
Joshua Levy
The Library of Congress made a big, unexpected decision today, announcing that users who unlock or jailbreak their mobile phones are within the legal clear -- they're not violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. It's a big win for openness.

In Ruling on iPhones, Apple Loses a Bit of Its Grip

Lindsy Embree — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:28:34 -0400

Full article: New York Times
Jenna Wortham
Apple likes to maintain tight control over what programs can appear on the iPhone -- a task that just became a little bit harder. The Library of Congress, which has the power to define exceptions to an important copyright law, said that it was legal to bypass a phone's controls on what software it will run to get "lawfully obtained" programs to work.

Former FCC Boss Kevin Martin Pretends He Fought For Open Access

Lindsy Embree — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:11:54 -0500

Full article: Broadband Reports
Former FCC boss Kevin Martin has broken his silence as the newly reformed FCC gets ready to unveil their national broadband plan. He's also apparently busily engaging in some revisionist history, saying that he was a staunch supporter of consumer rights and of "open access" broadband policies during his tenure.

FCC Hints at Return to Open Access

Stevie Converse — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:02:05 -0500

Full article: Broadband Reports
Karl Bode
The FCC is seriously considering re-establishing some kind of open access rules, which would give new entrants access to incumbent infrastructure at reduced price. The lamentations of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association are ringing a little hollow, after years of fitting science to the political agenda.

Open Access Rules Touted as Prescription for Low U.S. Broadband Rank

Lindsy Embree — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:16:58 -0500

Full article: BroadbandCensus.com
Christina Kirchner
The United States has lost a lot of ground concerning internet expansion, adoption and affordability, according to telecom experts. Having a system of mandatory open access to telecom infrastructure in the European Union and Britain has proven successful not only at offering affordable broadband, but also promoting Internet growth.

U.S. Broadband Study Says Open Access Fosters Competition

Stevie Converse — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:05:08 -0400

Full article: Reuters
JoAnne Allen
Open access policies have helped other leading industrialized nations develop more competitive broadband markets by lowering entry barriers, according to a study commissioned by the FCC. The study examines global broadband plans and practices and comes as the agency is devising a plan aimed at increasing broadband usage in rural and urban areas.

AT&T Applies the Brakes on the Mobile Economy

Timothy Karr — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:08:42 -0400

The telecom sector is too important to be allowed to hold back the U.S. economy, writes Andy Kessler in Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal. But that's exactly what it's doing by overcharging for voice calls, eliminating network choice and stifling mobile phone innovation.