The library of Congress has announced that for the next three years there will be a set of provision to allow the circumvention of copyrighted material. General usage will allow the circumvention of these works to assist those with disabilities to enjoy DVD's and E-Books. A more pertinent use of the new rules will allow you to unlock your phone to allow for the compatibility of different software. The rule also overturns a previous ruling that claims unlocking your phone to use it with another carrier. You will no longer be allowed to unlock your phones for use with another company. The phone now must be purchased from the network provider that it is intended to be used on. Unlocking of tablet devices will still be prohibited.
Via Ars Technica
The FCC has announced they are looking into requiring US Cellular carriers to implement a warning system similar to one that already exists in Europe. The warning system would send a notification to account owners when their mobile bill begins to creep above a certain level of unexpectedness. The warning would allow users to slow or stop their usage to avoid bills that are astronomical. The most likely candidate for this type of notification would be to send the users an SMS or email when their account reaches a level over their typical usage. I think the FCC should consider allowing the users to set that level after they receive their first bill. Once they know what a normal bill is going to cost they can set a "mobile wallet" style amount to allow others on the account to purchase billed to account ringtones, games, and SMS subscriptions up to a certain amount for all the lines on the account. The accounts should automatically send email when odd activity like minute overage, and texting overage occurs on the account. This would allow mobile carriers more monthly revenue from customer that should obviously adjust their monthly plan, allow flexibility in their billing process for each consumer, and still allow safe-guarded monitoring before a bill gets out of hand.
Everyone is paying very close attention to the news of Alltel being bought by Verizon. Verizon has potential to become an even bigger industry super-power than it has already become. I mentioned in a previous post FOUND HERE, that Verizon has agreed to a divestiture of network to aquire Alltel. The map here shows the areas that are going to be required to divest. (Click Here for a larger Photo)
The merger will not be approved until day 52 at minimum per FCC timelines, so in the mean time you can check out the proposal by Verizon with the new coverage after the merger. The map will represent the coverage given by Verizon's owned network after the aquisition of Rural Cellular Corp., and the merger with Alltel. This map is provided via the Federal Communications Commission. Verizon/Alltel merger proposal Map at FCC website
**UPDATE** Since this article was posted Verizon has agreed to Divest 15 additional markets. (see story below) The FCC has also imposed, as a condition of merger, 5 additional markets not already volunteered by Verizon.
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The Mobile Marketing Association has decided on standards and ethical guidelines for giving customer a choice about the type of messages they will receive on their cellular phone.
MMA will require 4 key elements in an approved campaign.
- Consent Via an existing approved opt-in method (such as SMS, MMS or website sign up).
- Customization and Constraint. The companies must target the ads to user interest, and limit messages to only those specifically requested.
- Security. Technical procedures to protect user information.
- Enforcement and Accountability. The MMA expects its users to adhere to their guidelines and implement them as a "best practice"
Read More at the MMA website
Verizon wireless has settled a class action lawsuit reguarding early termination fees. Verizon has agreed to pay $21 million. This agreement may spur a new trend in the cellular industry reguarding the way companies charge termination fees. The FCC has already started to investigate possible goverment regulation of this process. Other carriers will be expected to follow suit.
California has just upped the ante the current law regarding cellular phone use while driving. The law currently charges $20 fines for first offence and $50 for each subsequent offence of driving without the aid of a hands free accessory. The law is now being changed effective July 1st to prohibit all drivers under 18 to use them even with the devices approved for use by adults. Police officers feel there has been plenty of advanced warning, and no warnings will be issued when you are pulled over. Police will even be pulling cellular phone records for serious car accidents to check the call times.
More at Sierra Sun
