FCC

[wpaudio url=”https://media.shellypalmer.com/wp-content/images/usrn/110920_SHELLYPALMER_GEN_BED.mp3″ text=”Click to play … ” dl=”0″] Google’s social networking site Google Plus is now open to the public. A slew of new futures were rolled out with the launch, including the option to stream video chat sessions live. Google’s “Hangouts On Air” is being tested through a select group of users, but will Continue Reading →

Everyone says AT&T was surprised. I’m not sure why. Everyone expected some kind of pushback. Although, considering the scope and complexity of the deal, the Obama Administration’s lawsuit to stop the AT&T’s $39Billion acquisition of T-Mobile did come very quickly. What are the issues? “Were the merger to proceed, there would only be three providers Continue Reading →

The FCC announced last week that it is throwing out the Fairness Doctrine along with 80 other rules it considers “outdated and obsolete.” The Fairness Doctrine was originally put into effect in 1949 by the FCC to ensure that radio stations and, at the time, the few newly licensed TV stations presented opposing views of controversial issues of Continue Reading →

The Federal Communications Commission recently announced that it’s working on a system that will facilitate sending text and multimedia messages to 911 emergency service. The system would allow first responders to view photos and video of emergencies before arriving on the scene. Unfortunately, the nation’s inadequate infrastructure doesn’t make this plan a reality for at Continue Reading →

A new report by the FCC studied the difference between advertised speeds and actual results from the nation’s top Internet providers. Verizon FiOS was the only provider to have consistent speeds beyond what was advertised, while Cablevision tested as poorly as 50% of what the company promises during peak hours. Read the full article at Continue Reading →

[wpaudio url=”https://media.shellypalmer.com/wp-content/images/usrn/110803_SHELLYPALMER_GEN_BED.mp3″ text=”Click to play … ” dl=”0″] A new report by the FCC studied the difference between advertised speeds and actual results from the nation’s top Internet providers. Verizon FiOS was the only provider to have consistent speeds beyond what was advertised, while Cablevision tested as poorly as 50% of what the company promises Continue Reading →

The Federal Communications Commission recently made a ruling that prevents cable companies from removing channels during network disputes. The ruling also prevents companies from favoring programming where the cable provider has a financial stake. The new restrictions should make it easier for independent networks and producers to keep its programming on the air. Read the Continue Reading →

A group of five telecomm companies have proposed a plan to the FCC that could bring broadband Internet to almost every American, within five years. The proposal would overhaul how subsidies are handed out and prevent multiple companies from collecting money where there is no actual service being provided. Read the full article at HuffingtonPost.com Continue Reading →

[wpaudio url=”https://media.shellypalmer.com/wp-content/images/usrn/110801_SHELLYPALMER_GEN_BED.mp3″ text=”Click to play … ” dl=”0″] Missouri recently banned student-teacher Facebook friendships under a law preventing students from having social relationships with their teachers. The law specifically prevents ‘exclusive’ access to students, which bans using Facebook for things like private study groups. Some teachers believe the ban will prevent students who wouldn’t otherwise Continue Reading →

I got a bunch of pushback on my blog post about Gary Shapiro’s Declaration of Innovation.  People are somehow equating the idea of recapturing spectrum from the broadcast television industry as an encroachment on our 1st Amendment rights.  But this has very little to do with the 1st Amendment.  The issue can be illustrated by Continue Reading →