Promoting a Creative and Connected Future
Front Page Tabs
AT&T Will Eventually Do the Minimum Users Expect
Follow @bergmayerAT&T has clarified that its bad policy of restricting video chat apps is still in place. We've also found out that handset providers need to jump through hoops to avoid being blocked. But AT&T has promised to end these practices by the end of the year.
When I wrote about AT&T's blocking of Google Hangouts over cellular last week I admit I was confused. I didn't understand why AT&T would allow Hangouts on iOS but not Android. It really looked like some kind of oversight, because the Android app, just like the iOS app, was installed from an app store and not "pre-loaded," which is a distinction AT&T has made before. I also wondered if app developers had to somehow work some special magic to make their apps work on AT&T's network.
But, yesterday AT&T put out a statement that clarifies some things while confusing others. First, it really does appear that AT&T defines Hangouts for Android as "pre-loaded." Even though it hasn't actually been pre-loaded on any phones yet, an app by the OS developer appears to count.
Themes from Yesterday’s Copyright Reform Hearing
Follow @sherwinpkParts of the debate are still missing from the discussion of copyright reform in Congress, but we’re starting to fill in the gaps. This includes the need to look at individual artists, creators, and users instead of the intermediaries and big incumbents.
Yesterday, I briefly summarized some of the major themes
coming from the witnesses in the House IP Subcommittee’s copyright reform
hearing. Since the witnesses covered those same points in their oral testimony,
I thought I’d devote this post to some of the themes that emerged from the
other side of the room—from the representatives in their statements and
questions.
3D/DC II: 3D Printing Comes to Washington, DC
Apr 24, 2013 05:30 PM - Apr 24, 2013 07:30 PM
Location: Cafeteria of the Rayburn House Office Building
Come see the remarkable, disruptive technology of 3D printing in person. Chat with some of the people and companies that make it happen. Mingle with other 3D printing fans and curiosity seekers.
This is the second time PK has hosted the 3D printing community to come together in Washington, DC. Don't miss your chance this time around!
The 2013 PK Policy Symposium
Feb 26, 2013 10:00 AM - Feb 26, 2013 03:00 PMLocation: The US Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, DC
Join Public Knowledge for conversations on the future of internet, communications, and copyright policy. From "fixing" TV to copyright reform, we'll discuss obstacles and solutions to what are sure to be this year's most interesting policy questions. How do we ensure that broadband is a catalyst for growth? That the video marketplace has room to grow? That copyright balances the needs of creators with the needs of the public?
These questions go right to the heart of what PK cares about - and is working on every day. We hope you can join the debate!
Public Knowledge Calls For Spectrum Holdings Limits
Today, Public Knowledge joined a group letter asking Acting Chair of the FCC Mignon Clyburn to oversee a "comprehensive review" to update the FCC's spectrum holdings rules in preparation for the upcoming 600MHz auction, and to adopt rules for the auction that promote competition. The signatories represent hundreds of wireless, wireline, and high-tech companies – from Fortune 100 companies to small businesses, public interest groups, and entrepreneurs.
The letter notes that the auction has potential to "benefit consumers and strengthen competition for wireless broadband services," and that the Commission should not give much weight to AT&T's attempt to discredit the Department of Justice's recent submission to the FCC which calls on the Commission to adopt pro-competitive policies.
A link to the letter can be found here.
Public Knowledge on T-Mobile Withdrawing Their Open internet Suit
Today, T-Mobile announced that it will withdraw the challenge to the FCC's Open Internet rules it inherited from its acquisition of MetroPCS.
The following statement can be attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, President and CEO.
"We're happy that T-Mobile has dropped MetroPCS's lawsuit challenging the Open Internet rules. The rules are working. While they're not perfect, they reassure Internet companies that they will be able to reach users, they give ISPs a framework under which they can manage their networks, and they provide a mechanism for working out disputes.
Testimony of Public Knowledge Before the US Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet Hearing on the State of Video
Testimony
of John Bergmayer
Senior
Staff Attorney
Public
Knowledge
Before
the
U.S.
Senate
Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Technology
Subcommittee
on Communications, Technology, and the Internet
Hearing on “The State of Video”
May 14, 2013
preservesthe openness of the Internet and the public's access to knowledge, promotes creativity through balanced copyright, and upholds and protects the rights of consumers to use innovative technology lawfully.
| STAY CONNECTED, JOIN OUR MAILING LIST |
