One of the most common criticisms of the Communications Act is the so-called “siloed,” sector-based nature of the law and resulting regulation. The Communications Act consists of seven titles: general provisions, common carriers, provisions related to radio, procedural and administrative provisions, penal provisions and forfeitures, cable communications, and miscellaneous provisions. Each of the titles governs a specific sector of the communications economy with inconsistent approaches to definition and regulation.
This week proves we’re better off with four wireless carriers
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
There's a clear case for having more wireless companies rather than fewer of them, and this week demonstrates why.
AT&T’s New “Sponsored Data” Scheme is a Tremendous Loss for All of Us
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
AT&T’s Sponsored data scheme is actually just a win for AT&T. This plan is a tremendous loss for everyone else.
How Many Broadcast TV and Radio Stations Are There? (Dec 2013)
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
The Federal Communications Commission announced the following totals for broadcast stations licensed as of December 31, 2013 ...
With “Sponsored Data” AT&T is double dipping. And that’s just dirty
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
AT&T, under the guise of “sponsored data,” launched a sneaky attack on innovation.
Slow Broadband Internet Speeds Vex Nation’s Schools
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
As public schools nationwide embrace instruction via iPads, laptops and other technologies, many are realizing they lack the necessary broadband speed to perform even simple functions. This is crimping classroom instruction as more teachers pull lesson plans off the Internet and use bandwidth-hungry programming.
Faulty Websites Confront Needy in Search of Aid
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
Three months after the disastrous rollout of a new $63 million website for unemployment claims, Florida is hiring hundreds of employees to deal with technical problems that left tens of thousands of people without their checks while penalties mount against the vendor who set up the site. Efforts at modernizing the systems for unemployment compensation in California, Massachusetts and Nevada have also largely backfired in recent months, causing enormous cost overruns and delays.
Unfair Phone Charges for Inmates
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
The Federal Communications Commission ended a grave injustice when it prohibited price-gouging by the private companies that provide interstate telephone service for prison and jail inmates. Thanks to the FCC order, which takes effect next month, poor families no longer have to choose between paying for basic essentials and speaking to a relative behind bars.
How your cell number pinpoints your identity
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
Your mobile phone number is totally unique anywhere in the world. Unlike government IDs, which can be forged and are difficult to verify online, your mobile phone number is unique to you and easy to confirm.