Press

Public Knowledge Asks Congress for a Permanent Fix to Cell Phone Unlocking

March 28, 2013

Today, Public Knowledge sent a letter to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees requesting an exemption in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) that would allow people to unlock their cell phones. The letter, signed by a slew of organizations, academics, online communities, startup companies, and cell phone unlocking petition author Sina Khanifar, details that it is imperative that copyright law keeps up with the pace of technological change. 

The range of interests held by these organizations, individuals, and startup companies shows the wide appeal to an exemption for this change. As a consumer advocacy group, Public Knowledge has always felt that changes to copyright law are long overdue and this exemption in the DMCA would be a step in the right direction. For more information about Public Knowledge's specific proposals for copyright reform look at our Internet Blueprint. 

Public Knowledge Reacts to Latest FCC Wireless Competition Report

March 22, 2013

The FCC has released its most recent wireless competition report, which is available here.

The following statement can be attributed to Jodie Griffin, Staff Attorney at Public Knowledge:

"This new report adopts a number of new data-collection techniques and we commend the FCC staff for their hard work. Unfortunately, the results show that the wireless market remains highly concentrated, giving providers less competitive incentive to pass on cost savings to consumers, aggressively invest in their networks, and adopt customer-friendly practices. 

"This report underscores the prevalence of wireless service in the lives of millions of Americans, highlighting the need for policies that will promote innovation and protect users.

Public Knowledge Responds to FCC Chair Resignation

March 21, 2013

Background: Press reports have indicated that on Friday Julius Genachowski will announce that he is stepping down from his post as the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He has held that position since June 2009. 

The following is the statement of Public Knowledge: 

Public Knowledge Statement on Commissioner Robert McDowell's Announcement to Leave the FCC

March 20, 2013

Today Commissioner Robert McDowell announced his early resignation. This announcement comes after seven years of service at the FCC.

The following can be attributed to Public Knowledge:

"Although we often disagreed, working with Commissioner McDowell was a pleasure.  His willingness to hear opposing views, the intellectual rigor in his analysis, and his leadership at the WCIT made him someone we enjoyed working with.

"Commissioner McDowell deserves enormous credit for defending TV white spaces in its darkest hour and pushing back against House Republicans who saw no value in preserving unlicensed spectrum." 

Supreme Court Preserves First Sale Doctrine in Kirtsaeng Ruling

March 19, 2013

Today the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the first sale doctrine does in fact apply to works lawfully made abroad. This means that goods manufactured abroad can be lawfully sold within the United States without the permission of the copyright holder. Public Knowledge's brief was cited in the Supreme Court opinion and we are elated that the public interest will be served through this decision.

The following can be attributed to Sherwin Siy, Vice President of Legal Affairs:

"We are glad that the Supreme Court recognized and prevented the harm that could have been done by the decision of the lower court. This is a big win for the public interest, students, libraries, retailers, and consumers of all sorts who will be protected by this decision. 

Public Knowledge Applauds Commissioner Clyburn on Support for Lifeline Services

March 15, 2013

Today, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn addressed the Consumer Federation of America regarding the continued need for universal voice and advanced services programs. Commissioner Clyburn stated, "If there is one point I would leave with you, it is how the Universal Service Fund’s Lifeline program, has been instrumental in increasing the number of low-income consumers, with telephone access."

Public Knowledge and Commissioner Clyburn are in agreement regarding the responsibility of the Commission to ensure the availability of basic communication services for all Americans.

The following quote can be attributed to Christopher Lewis, Vice President, Government Affairs: 

Approval of T-Mobile/MetroPCS Deal is a Win for Consumers

March 12, 2013

Background: Today, the FCC approved the merger of T-Mobile and MetroPCS.

The following statement can be attributed to John Bergmayer, Senior Staff Attorney at Public Knowledge.

"We're glad the FCC has approved the merger of T-Mobile and MetroPCS. To counter the power of AT&T and Verizon, the market needs more strong, national competitors, and this action will allow T-Mobile to improve its network and strengthen its position. The improved competitive landscape will benefit consumers.

"It would be better if the wireless market was not so distorted that the loss of a competitor is a win for competition. Nevertheless, that is the case, and given these facts this particular merger is in the public interest.

"Of course, with any merger, there is the potential for job losses, and like Commissioner Rosenworcel, we hope they will be avoided here.

Public Knowledge Comment on Leahy Phone Unlocking Bill

March 11, 2013

Background: Today, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced a bill that would overturn the Library of Congress' decision that prevents cell phone unlocking. The bill would require the Library of Congress to rescind and reconsider its current rule on unlocking.

The following can be attributed to Chris Lewis, Vice President of Government Affairs:

"We're glad that Chairman Leahy recognizes that the Library of Congress' decision was untenable. However, this only serves as, at best, a three-year band-aid on the larger problem. Furthermore, the bill does not require that the Library reach a different decision on unlocking.

"Public Knowledge supports legislation that permanently codifies an exemption for unlocking, and a broader discussion around further reform of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act's anticicumvention provisions that created this problem in the first place."

Public Knowledge Hires Sean Meloy as Campaign Manager

March 11, 2013

Public Knowledge is pleased to welcome Sean Meloy to our team today. In this role as campaign manager, Sean will organize campaigns and develop Public Knowledge's communications strategy.

Sean comes to Public Knowledge after managing Congressional Candidate Kristin Cabral's 2012 campaign and Rep. Mike Doyle's (D-PA) 2010 campaign. Sean also served Congressman Doyle as a legislative aide and advised him on his policy goals and legislative agenda.

The following can be attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, President and CEO: 

Public Knowledge's Statement on the Wireless Consumer Choice Act

March 07, 2013

Issues: 
Copyright
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

Today, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced legislation to remove the ban on unlocking cell phones. The Wireless Consumer Choice Act asks the FCC to ensure that consumers have the right to unlock their phones and switch carriers. Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA) is introducing similar legislation in the House of Representatives.

The following can be attributed to Vice President of Government Affairs Christopher Lewis: