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Verizon Eliminates Controversial DSL Surcharge

7:33 am on August 31, 2006 | Category: Business, Telecom Services, Internet

As I predicted earlier this week, Verizon Communications has decided to scrap the controversial “supplier surcharge,” which was being imposed on DSL internet subscribers in lieu of the now defunct Universal Service Fund fees.

Samsung Electronics Demonstrates 4G Wireless Technology

7:00 am on August 31, 2006 | Category: Wireless Technology, Mobile Devices, Cellular

Korean mobile phone maker, Samsung Electronics, claims to have become the first company to successfully demonstrate 4th generation (4G) wireless communication technology.

Springfield Illinois Expected to Pick AT&T as Citywide Wi-Fi Partner

6:40 am on August 31, 2006 | Category: Business, Wireless Technology, Internet, Wi-Fi

AT&T Inc. is expected to be chosen to build a citywide wireless broadband network in the city of Springfield, Illinois, marking the company’s first major mesh Wi-Fi victory.

CRTC Releases “Bill of Rights” for Telecom Customers

7:35 am on August 30, 2006 | Category: Business, Telecom Services, Telephone, Regulation

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has released a new document that will serve as a “bill or rights” for telecom consumers.

Verizon Launches PlayLinc Gaming Service

7:00 am on August 30, 2006 | Category: Web Services, Telecom Services, Internet

America’s #2 telecom provider, Verizon Communications Inc., has formally launched PlayLinc, a free online gaming service that will allow players to compete over the internet in a number of games, and use numerous advanced features such as text and voice chat.

Wi-Fi Alliance Reveals Plans to Pre-Certify 802.11n Wireless Hardware

6:30 am on August 30, 2006 | Category: Business, Wireless Technology, Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi Alliance, which is responsible for certifying the interoperability of Wi-Fi hardware, has announced plans to being testing and approving 802.11n-based networking products in March of next year, rather than waiting for the Wireless-N standard to be finalized by the IEEE.

Incumbent Wireless Carriers Poised to Crush Competition at FCC Auction

7:05 am on August 29, 2006 | Category: Business, Telecom Services, Wireless, Regulation

A few weeks ago, it seemed that one of the largest wireless spectrum auctions in U.S. history would open up the cell phone market to new competitors.

Keyspan Announces Wireless VoIP Phone for Skype Users

6:25 am on August 29, 2006 | Category: VoIP, Mobile Devices

Keyspan, a maker of PC and Mac peripherals, has announced the launch of a new Cordless VoIP phone, which will work with Skype, and is set to begin shipping by the end of this month.

BellSouth Stops Collecting Controversial Surcharge; Verizon to Follow Suit?

5:45 am on August 29, 2006 | Category: Business, Telecom Services, Internet, Regulation

BellSouth announced late last week that it will "immediately eliminate" a controversial regulatory fee on its DSL internet services.

Motorola Continues to Gain Ground Against Nokia

7:30 am on August 28, 2006 | Category: Business, Mobile Devices, Cell Phones

America’s top cell phone manufacturer, Motorola Inc., gained ground against Nokia in the global market last quarter, due to strong sales of the RAZR, SLVR, and MING handsets.

WIP Connector Seeks to Help Wireless Companies Network

7:00 am on August 28, 2006 | Category: Business, Web Services, Wireless, Corporate

I was given the inside scoop last week about a new wireless industry networking service called WIP Connector, which is set to be formally unveiled by the Wireless Industry Partnership later today.