Today the FCC posted a smartphone from HTC with all the trappings of the second-generation Pixel smartphone. This is Google's second-wave "Pixel" brand device, one of two we're expecting to see released in coming weeks. This device's listing includes just a few key facts about the smartphone that point us in the direction of Google's new flagship.
Lines have once again been drawn. Posters and signs once again put up. Voices and arms raised once more on both sides. Yes, it's time again for the great Net Neutrality debates as tech companies call supporters to arms. What was presumed to be a done deal is in danger of being overturned with the turning of the guard. While the final word, legally speaking, will come down to a vote, the debate will carry on and on, long after the vote has been cast. And it is a debate that might not have a clear answer in sight for a long time.
The most important news today - the most important topic for the Internet, on the Internet, is about Net Neutrality. Today the biggest and most influential websites on the internet are pushing the FCC together to stop the FCC from giving in to pressure to end Net Neutrality and destroy the open web. If Net Neutrality is killed, readers like YOU will experience web speed throttling, widespread website censorship, and the inevitable rise of micro-fees for access to individual services.
FCC sightings don't usually reveal as much juicy details as its TENAA counterpart in China, but they do at least hint at one thing: a device is close to being launched. That is definitely the case here with Andy Rubin's Essential PH-1 Android smartphone. Since we already know much about the device anyway, all that's really left for drooling fans is a launch date. And since it just appeared at the FCC, that date might be sooner rather than later.
It seems that the fight for net neutrality is back on, and just like last time, John Oliver is trying to rally people to the cause. In a segment during Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight, Oliver lambasted the new FCC chairman Ajit Pai as he looks to rollback Obama-era net neutrality protections. With the FCC now accepting comments from the public on the matter, it seems John Oliver saw a chance to strike.
It isn't unusual for new administrations to overturn the decisions, mandates, and thrusts of the previous, especially when they come from opposite side. So far, the FCC, under the new chair Ajit Pai has undertaken the process of undoing Net Neutrality rules. Now it is taking aim at another controversial old FCC stance. Although still to be put to a formal vote, Pai has already made it formally known that he intends to maintain rule that bans making phone calls while a plane is in flight.
As you've likely heard by now, Congress voted earlier this week to reverse FCC rules that prevented internet service providers from selling personal customer data like browsing history. Understandably, many Americans are upset by this. Now several ISPs like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon are getting proactive in reassuring customers that their privacy matters, releasing statements that say they will not be selling users' internet browsing data.
With MWC 2017 out of the way, the next big mobile event we're waiting for is Samsung unveiling of the Galaxy S8 later this month. That is, unless Apple suddenly holds its iPad earlier than speculated. With just weeks before the next "Unpacked" event, sources are hunkering down information regarding the two high-profile smartphones. Even the FCC is getting a dose of Samsung, with the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ passing through the agency, confirming that the smartphones will be available from all US carriers and even in unlocked models.
There's no lack of streaming radio apps available for your smartphone, but one thing that is still mysteriously in short supply is access to FM radio. Most smartphones today have FM radio antennas built into them, but those antennas are only active in about half of smartphones here in the US. The FCC's new commissioner, Ajit Pai, would like to see that change.
Under its new director, the FCC has wasted no time in reversing policies put in place under the previous administration. New FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has announced that nine companies won't be allowed to participate in a federal program called Lifeline. With this program, low income customers can receive a monthly $9.25 credit that helps them pay for high-speed broadband internet.
Right through December of last year, the FCC had ongoing investigations into telecom giants including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile over their use of zero-rated data services, viewing them anti-competitive and in violation of net neutrality rules. Unfortunately, these investigations were opened under outgoing FCC chairman Tom Wheeler, and part of President Trump's restaffing has been appointing Ajit Pai as the new head. In turn, the agency has also revealed that it's dropping the investigations.
It appears Amazon may be up to another one of its mysterious, experimental projects. It's been discovered that the company has filed a request with the FCC for permission to test wireless communication technology in areas of Washington, all without stating the exact purpose. There are a few hints that the tests could be related to Amazon's desire to begin drone deliveries, but the company only says it involves "innovative communications capabilities and functionalities."
