O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: Federal Communications Commission

  • FCC announces plan to block robocalls, spam text messages

    fcc-logo

    Maybe the FCC can help put an end to robocalls and spam text messages.

    In recent days, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said that the agency is working on a new rule that would allow consumers to block robocalls and automated text messages if requested. The move clarifies the agency’s interpretation of a 1991 consumer protection law that banned telemarketers from making cold calls to consumers. Companies have skirted that ban by using automated dialing machines, prerecorded calls and text messages. The new rule makes it clear that texts are the same as phone calls, and that phone carriers may block robocalls to consumers if asked.

    (more…)

  • Verizon Wireless, Sprint to pay $158 million in settlement fees for overcharging practices

    sprint-verizon1

    You might want to check your Verizon Wireless or Sprint bill to make sure it’s accurate.

    Or at least look into the class action lawsuit against the carriers to see if you qualify for part of the settlement.

    Wireless carriers Verizon Wireless and Sprint will pay a combined total of US$158 million to settle billing complain charges filed by the Federal Communications Commission.

    (more…)

  • iBeacon manual goes into the wild, appears on FCC web site

    ibeacon

    Apple probably didn’t intend to have its iBeacon design go into the wild.

    Still, it’s an interesting piece of hardware.

    Per 9to5Mac, a user manual designed for developers detailing the iBeacon hardware has become available via the FCC web site and visible via appadvice.com.

    The Apple iBeacon mounts to a wall with a standard screw. There is an LED on the underside of the unit, which reports battery condition and general status. Although there is no mention of battery life, it probably lasts several months (Bluetooth Low Energy doesn’t drain much power) and can be recharged via micro-USB.

    (more…)

  • T-Mobile settles with FCC, agrees to post more transparent data throttling information

    tmobilelogo

    When the FCC leans on you, it’s time to come clean.

    Per AppleInsider, U.S. wireless provider and iPhone carrier T-Mobile this week announced it has reached an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission, in which it will be more upfront and honest with customers about its bandwidth speed.

    T-Mobile has pledged to provide “accurate information” to customers about the speed of their Internet connection, even when their performance is throttled according with their data plan. The changes came from pressure by the FCC, after it was discovered that T-Mobile was providing customers with inaccurate information when they run sped tests.

    (more…)

  • Verizon Wireless adopts harsher early termination fees, draws criticism

    verizonlogo

    Well, this should give you another reason to dislike Verizon.

    Per Macworld and Droid Life, wireless carrier Verizon recently changed the terms of its customer agreement to state that the carrier will not discount its early termination fee (ETF) until the eighth month of service.

    In other words, if you signed up for a new iPhone with Verizon in December, you wouldn’t see a reduction in your ETF until at least July. Verizon previously discounted its ETF by $10 every month beginning with the first month of service.

    The new terms only apply to new customers that sign up for service on or after Friday, November 14th. Under the new terms, your ETF would reduce by “US$10 per month in months 8–18, US$20 per month in months 19–23, and US$60 in the final month of your contract term.”

    (more…)