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AT&T says competitors launched WiFi calling without FCC clearance
While Sprint and T-Mobile have already flipped the switch on WiFi calling for the iPhone, AT&T continues to wait it out on the sidelines. And now we may know why. As reported by The Verge, the carrier recently sent a letter to FCC chairman Tom Wheeler accusing competitors of launching the feature without legitimate approval from the government agency. AT&T's Legal Senior Vice President, James Ciccioni, claims Sprint and T-Mobile started offering WiFi calling even though the FCC hadn't granted a support waiver for teletypewriter communications, also known as TTY -- which are typically required for providing accessibility services.
FCC to build an open source video platform for ASL users
The FCC is developing a video access platform that will allow American Sign Language (ASL) users to communicate with businesses and government agencies more easily, Chairman Tom Wheeler announced on Thursday. With it, users will be able to make video calls as well as send text and audio to the person on the other end of the line. What's more, the platform will not only enable the creation of function-specific desktop and mobile apps that, say, allow users to connect with FCC reps through a relay service staffed by people fluent in ASL. It will also serve as an interoperability standard for existing IP-based video conferencing apps like Skype or Google Hangouts. And, since the code is open source, any developer will be able to integrate this functionality into their app.
FCC fines company $750,000 for blocking hotspots
The Federal Communications Commission announced on Tuesday that it is fining Smart City LLC $750,000 for blocking Wi-Fi hotspots. The company provides hotels and convention centers in Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis, Orlando, and Phoenix with its own brand of wireless connectivity. Smart City typically charges users $80 for access. The FCC began investigating the company June of last year following complaints that it had been actively blocking convention-goers from using their personal Wi-Fi hotspots. Today's settlement also includes assurances from the company that it will not block hotspots in the future. [Image Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images]
SpaceX wants to launch internet-beaming satellites
Google's Project Loon and Facebook's internet drones could soon see added competition from SpaceX. The Elon Musk-owned rocket company has just petitioned the FCC for permission to launch a pair of experimental, identical Ku-band downlink satellites -- the first pair of potentially four. Should the FCC grant SpaceX's application, Time reports that the satellites will likely launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Once they reach an orbital altitude of 625 km, they'll beam down broadband internet speeds to three receivers located in Redmond, Washington; Fremont and Hawthorne, California. The satellites are each rated for a 12-month operational lifespan. There's no word yet on when this technology will be available to consumers.
Feds to overhaul program that delivers broadband to the poor
While 95 percent of American households earning six figures annually have access to broadband internet, just 48 percent of homes making under $25,000 enjoy the same benefit. Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission announced plans to reduce that internet inequality gap by subsidizing the broadband access for America's poorest families. Specifically, the FCC is looking to revamp its existing Lifeline program, which already provides both phone and prepaid wireless service, to now include broadband as well.
FCC eyes quicker responses to service complaints with new website
If you're ready to air those grievances with your current cable, internet or phone service, the FCC has a new site to collect those complaints. The Commission's Consumer Help Center provides a list of common gripes concerning both broadcast and cable TV, radio, emergency communications and access for those folks with disabilities -- in addition to the aforementioned topics. It also provides tips on how to resolve the issue(s), and if you'd like, you can file a complaint without perusing the list to see where yours fits. Once submitted, each grumble is assigned a tracking number that will allow you to keep tabs on its status. They're sent directly to each network or service provider, and require a written response in 30 days that you'll get a copy of, too. [Photo credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images]
US Senate hands the FCC's reins to Obama nominee Tom Wheeler
Obama nominated Tom Wheeler for the Federal Communications Commission chairman post back in May, and today the US Senate has finally given him its blessing. Although Texas Senator Ted Cruz had concerns over the nominee at first, the agency's new head honcho has been approved unanimously. The FCC may not pipe up too often, but it influences everything from what spectrums cellular carriers use to whether or not devices are safe enough (radiation-wise, at least) to be sold stateside. It's not entirely clear how Wheeler's history as a cable and wireless industry lobbyist will influence his efforts in the post, but his stance on legal phone unlocking gives us hope that the outfit will take a particularly consumer-friendly tact to its duties.
FCC rubber-stamps use of select AT&T LTE bands by smaller US carriers
Last month, AT&T agreed to let smaller US carriers use its 700MHz LTE spectrum, and now the Federal Communications Commission has rubber stamped the company's interoperability plan. With the approval in place, the way is paved for punier providers -- often in rural areas -- to support 4G devices built for Big Blue's network, and potentially leverage roaming over the particular waves. However, there's no word on how quickly other outfits will be able to take advantage of the fresh frequencies, even with the agency's blessing. Regardless, Uncle Sam is pretty optimistic about the deal, as the FCC says it will "improve wireless availability and competition, spur investment in and build out of the networks in the Lower 700MHz band, and result in significant savings to the consumer." Sure, congress still hasn't confirmed Tom Wheeler as the commission's head honcho, but acting chairwoman Mignon Clyburn seems to be warming his chair quite nicely.
FCC aims to fine five wireless carriers $14 million for Lifeline program violations
Government shutdown or not, the Federal Communications Commission announced a proposal to fine five cellular service providers a total of $14.4 million for violating the rules of its Lifeline phone subsidy program. In case your memory needs to be jogged, Lifeline allows economically disadvantaged people to get subsidized cellphone service through carriers. Assist Wireless, Easy Wireless, Icon Telecom, TracFone Wireless and UTPhone are all in Uncle Sam's crosshairs for allegedly giving multiple subsidized accounts to folks who should have only received one through the program. This development comes after the commission's revelation that 41 percent of last year's subsidies didn't go through the appropriate verification process. The FCC's sanctions don't stop at the multi-million dollar penalty either. If the federal body gets its way, cash collected through duplicate accounts will have to be returned by offending companies. Update: TracFone reached out to us with a response to the FCC's proposal, saying that the commission's dispute with it involves less than $8,000 and fewer than 850 people -- a drop in the 4 million person Lifeline-customer bucket. Hit the break for the firm's full statement.
Did the unannounced LG Optimus L9 II just sneak past the FCC?
We've heard not a peep about a potential successor to LG's Optimus L9 since a couple of pics popped up on @evleaks at the beginning of June. The Optimus L9 II -- or just L9 II if recent naming conventions apply -- remains unannounced, but we've reason to believe it's just broken cover at the FCC. A device going by the codename LG-D605 passed certification today, and although we can't be sure it's the L9 II, that model number has previously been linked to the handset, if only in a mysterious GFXBench result. No LTE bands were tested, and a mention of FeliCa NFC technology means this particular variant is almost certainly intended for the Japanese market. Beyond confirmation of a removable battery, there's nothing else to glean from the filing, but it could indicate that the G2 won't be LG's newest new phone much longer.
FCC clears the way for unification of Sprint, Softbank and Clearwire
As expected and predicted, today the Federal Communications Commission approved the merger of American mobile company Sprint with Japanese mobile giant Softbank and broadband service company Clearwire. In its conclusion, the FCC writes, "approval of the proposed transactions, subject to the conditions set forth herein, is in the public interest." This comes just a week after Sprint shareholders gave the thumbs up for proceedings to go forward, and a few weeks after the US Department of Justice did the same. Further, the conclusion goes on to say that the deal has "public interest benefits that likely would result from the proposed transaction, and thus we conclude that the transaction is in the public interest." The tri-company transaction is through the wringer of governmental bureaucracy, but still has to receive approval from Clearwire's shareholders; that decision is expected on July 8th, and its board of directors have reportedly recommended approval.
FCC chairman nominee Tom Wheeler comes out in favor of legalized phone unlocking
He was nominated to replace Julius Genachowski as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission a mere six weeks ago, and before he's even got the job, Tom Wheeler's making headlines. Ars Technica reports that would-be chairman Wheeler wants what many (all?) cell phone owners want -- the ability to unlock our phones free from fear of legal retribution. The way he sees things, when folks have bought and paid for their phones and are contract-free, they "ought to have the right to use the device and move it across carriers." Unfortunately, while he's staked out his position on the matter, he has yet to say exactly how he plans to make phone unlocking legal, be it through legislation or other means. The good news is, he's not the boss just yet, so he's got time to address those niggling details while he waits to be confirmed as the new chairman.
FCC confident in its mobile phone radiation limits, seeks second opinions
Cast your memory back to last summer. Sweep away memories of iPhone 5 leaks galore, and you might remember that the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) asked the FCC to reevaluate its radiation limits for mobile phones. Now a few seasons later, the FCC has finally wrapped up a report that responds to the GAO, and there are no changes to its RF radiation levels in sight because it feels comfortable with its current caps. "We continue to have confidence in the current exposure limits, and note that more recent international standards have a similar basis," reads the report. However, given that its guidelines were adopted in 1996, new research on radiation and the proliferation of mobile devices, the FCC would like some feedback regarding its restrictions. It's put out a call for comments from concerned parties and even federal health and safety bodies. Though the freshly-released document didn't rock the proverbial boat, it made one change worth noting. The pinna (outer ear) is now classified an extremity, which means the FCC allows devices to hit the tissue with more radiation. Feel like poring through 201 pages of regulatory minutiae? Click the source link below for the commission's full dossier.
Live from CES: Gary Shapiro chats with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski
Ever wanted to know more about the inner workings of the FCC? You're in luck, because CEA head honcho Gary Shapiro is sitting down with the man in charge at the FCC, Chairman Julius Genachowski at CES this year to chat about his time with the Commission. Naturally, they'll be talking about broadband, spectrum reform and other hot telco topics, but we're just hoping to hear how the Chairman will rid us of the terrible 10,000 feet. Will he give us any such good news? There's only one way to find out -- stick around as we'll bring their conversation to you live, right here.
Mysterious ASUS P1801-T visits the FCC, might be the finished Transformer AiO (updated)
The FCC sometimes gets a peek at hardware and reveals nothing but a model number to hint at what's passed through its labyrinth. The latest filing leaving us scratching our heads is for the ASUS P1801-T, a "tablet" which could be the final version of the Transformer AiO prototype we saw back at Computex. How did we arrive at the AiO? Well, the model number is a possible clue -- ASUS' Eee Slate B121 has a 12.1-inch panel, so P1801-T may point to this device having 18 inches of screen. As ASUS' dual-OS prototype all-in-one is the only (sort of) tablet we've seen with roughly that many inches, we assume the company is getting paperwork done before a proper launch at CES 2013. A "P1801" running Android 4.1.1 has also popped up at GLBenchmark, with Tegra3 graphics, a 1,920 x 1080 graphics and a Cortex-A9 CPU inside. If ASUS is keeping two OS's as per the AiO prototype, that processor caters for only one Microsoft product -- Windows RT. We'll just be kept wondering until we hear something official, but at least for us, an 18-inch Android / RT super-tablet and part-time desktop sounds like it could be a hard sell. Update: We noticed that the original PR from Computex 2012 stated that the tablet portion could also "become a wireless display for the AiO PC," which could mean that the base unit is full-fledged Windows 8 machine with x86 hardware, making it a much more tempting idea.
Unknown Bluetooth Matias keyboard pops up at the FCC, is probably the quiet type
We're always keen to peek at Matias peripherals when it's got new ones to share, but this time the introduction comes via the FCC, which appears to have tested and deconstructed an as-yet unannounced keyboard. This reduced model lacks a numpad -- apart from the page up and down keys -- and if the color scheme and command / option keys weren't clear enough hints, the draft user manual within the filing confirms it's meant for Macs. While it connects via Bluetooth, there's a trio of USB ports around the top edge for plugging in a mouse, charging the internal battery, or juicing other hardware. Matias' Quiet Pro mechanical offering bears the model number FK302Q, so we have good reason to assume this new keyboard is a mini variant, given it's known as the FK303QBT in the FCC's docs (Q for Quiet, BT for Bluetooth). As it's been OK'd by the US regulators, we expect an official reveal of the keyboard, alongside a PC-targeted sibling, pretty soon.
FCC gives Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE edition the nod, US LTE not included
South Koreans were given preferential treatment again last month, as Samsung released the LTE variant of the Galaxy Note 10.1 in its native land. It looks like this period of exclusive access will soon end, however, as the 4G-equipped version of the slate has dropped by the FCC to pick up a round of approvals. Codenamed SHV-E230S and showing a global (read: non-US) LTE logo on the back panel, the US regulator cleared WiFi, Bluetooth, GSM and WCDMA (3G) connectivity options. Given the absence of US LTE radios and the non-US model number, it's quite likely that this is just another variant of the Korean version. Unfortunately, this means there isn't much time for it to launch stateside if it wants a spot under indoor evergreens, so don't get those hopes up.
Sony's NEX-6 satisfies the FCC with paperwork, guts
Still hungry for a closer look at Sony's WiFi-packing NEX-6 despite perusing our hands-on? Apparently the FCC feels the same, so it's used its government-granted authority to inspect the camera first-hand, and tear it apart in the process. This isn't the only time the 16.1-megapixel shooter has been given the ruler treatment, but a full copy of its user's manual has notably come along for its US visit. Check out the gallery below to view this NEX's guts, or hit the source link to gloss over a PDF of the instruction manual -- might as well get the boring stuff done before the package arrives in November.%Gallery-165226%
FCC wants to know if it's too modest about broadband, gives chance to fight caps and slow speeds
A common complaint with the FCC's National Broadband Plan is its conservative definition of the broadband in question: many would argue that the 4Mbps baseline is an anachronism in an era of 4G, FiOS and Google Fiber. If you've ever wanted the FCC to up the ante, now's your chance. The regulator wants comments on its definitions of fixed and mobile broadband to gauge whether real-world trends like multi-user streaming video should lead to raised expectations for internet providers. Ever been burnt by a too-low bandwidth cap? It's open season on that area as well, with the FCC asking if it should define a minimum acceptable cap and possibly call for better limits than we see today. We just share GigaOM's wish that we could ask if every cap is even necessary, although the Department of Justice might be answering that for us. Americans have up until September 20th to make their voices heard, so get cracking if you'd like to set a higher bar.
Lenovo's seven-inch Android 4.0 tablet passes federal testing, on course for September release
While pricing hasn't revealed whether it'll spar with the Nexus 7 for the hearts of bargain tablet shoppers, Lenovo's smaller Android 4.0 slab, the A2107, has called in at the FCC. Again, there's not all that much we can glean from a tablet that's prone and turned off, but it does give the product another nudge towards launching next month. Fans of all things radio and wireless can peruse the official filing at the source below.
