Phone Service You Can Count On
For many consumers, home phone lines are becoming obsolete. We take advantage of free national long distance, included with most mobile plans, and talk on-the-go. Even with all the media hype about health risks associated with cell phones and the danger of being distracted by the phone in traffic, I’m guilty of overindulging in the convenience of my mobile phone. In fact, it had been a while since I sat comfortably, in my own home, and enjoyed the leisure of a good old-fashioned phone call (before 7 pm). Of course, I rationalize that the world has changed and there isn’t time enough in the day; however, that’s just part of it. Regardless of the time aspect, it always comes down to money. These days, most long distance providers charge mysterious fees for this, that, and the other. Why bother? That was precisely my logic before I found ECG Long Distance. Honestly, this is a service you want to hear about. They have an incredible Easy Billing plan with a state-to-state rate of just 2.5 ¢/minute (that’s not a typo). Instate and international rates are very competitive as well. This is truly a no-nonsense option (no connect fees, no minimums, no paper statement, no surprises)! After a few months, I can tell you these folks know what they’re doing. Customer service is based in Oklahoma – not India, or anywhere else outside of the USA. I haven’t had any trouble with billing, but I wanted to make sure this wasn’t too good to be true. My call to customer service was answered in less than a minute. Unbelievable! Online billing also makes my hectic life easier. This plan has a low monthly fee, but it’s amazing what 59¢ will get you. Plenty of things in the world have changed, but quality home-phone service is something you can still depend on. Have a look at: http://www.ecglongdistance.net/ It will take you back and save you money in the long run.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
iPhone May Contain Reproductive Toxins
Phthalates are a chemical that cause birth defects. The environmental group Greenpeace charges Apple with including this harmful chemical in the material composition of the popular iPhone.
Group Hits Apple Over 'Toxic' iPhone
Phones said to contain substance banned in California's 'Toxic Toys Bill'
By: Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.Com
October 16, 2007
The Center for Environmental Health has filed a complaint with the State of California, charging Apple’s iPhone contains a toxin that can cause birth abnormalities. California law mandates warnings on products that contain reproductive toxins.
The complaint comes on the heels of a report by the environmental group Greenpeace, which said it had discovered phthalates, chemicals that can cause birth defects, in the plastic coating of the earphone’s wiring....The use of toxic material in electronic equipment is an emerging issue for many manufacturers, requiring a review of production processes as well as environmental law. Apple, in fact, has recently begun closely consulting with environmental groups and has unveiled a new corporate environmental policy....
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/iphone_toxic.html
Group Hits Apple Over 'Toxic' iPhone
Phones said to contain substance banned in California's 'Toxic Toys Bill'
By: Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.Com
October 16, 2007
The Center for Environmental Health has filed a complaint with the State of California, charging Apple’s iPhone contains a toxin that can cause birth abnormalities. California law mandates warnings on products that contain reproductive toxins.
The complaint comes on the heels of a report by the environmental group Greenpeace, which said it had discovered phthalates, chemicals that can cause birth defects, in the plastic coating of the earphone’s wiring....The use of toxic material in electronic equipment is an emerging issue for many manufacturers, requiring a review of production processes as well as environmental law. Apple, in fact, has recently begun closely consulting with environmental groups and has unveiled a new corporate environmental policy....
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/iphone_toxic.html
Internet Data Discrimination
Comcast's interference with the activities of high-speed Internet subscribers appears to be an aggressive way of managing its network. The practice of managing the flow of Internet data is known as "traffic shaping," and is common amongst Internet providers. The process usually slows down certain traffic, like file-sharing. Comcast's traffic shaping, however, has a more drastic effect on one type of traffic — sometimes blocking it altogether. This informative article explores the "Net Neutrality" debate and focuses on Comcast's questionable filtering process.
Comcast Blocks Some Internet Traffic
By: Peter Svensson
Associated Press
Oct 19, 2007
NEW YORK - Comcast Corp. actively interferes with attempts by some of its high-speed Internet subscribers to share files online, a move that runs counter to the tradition of treating all types of Net traffic equally.
The interference, which The Associated Press confirmed through nationwide tests, is the most drastic example yet of data discrimination by a U.S. Internet service provider. It involves company computers masquerading as those of its users.
If widely applied by other ISPs, the technology Comcast is using would be a crippling blow to the BitTorrent, eDonkey and Gnutella file-sharing networks. While these are mainly known as sources of copyright music, software and movies, BitTorrent in particular is emerging as a legitimate tool for quickly disseminating legal content....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21376597/
Comcast Blocks Some Internet Traffic
By: Peter Svensson
Associated Press
Oct 19, 2007
NEW YORK - Comcast Corp. actively interferes with attempts by some of its high-speed Internet subscribers to share files online, a move that runs counter to the tradition of treating all types of Net traffic equally.
The interference, which The Associated Press confirmed through nationwide tests, is the most drastic example yet of data discrimination by a U.S. Internet service provider. It involves company computers masquerading as those of its users.
If widely applied by other ISPs, the technology Comcast is using would be a crippling blow to the BitTorrent, eDonkey and Gnutella file-sharing networks. While these are mainly known as sources of copyright music, software and movies, BitTorrent in particular is emerging as a legitimate tool for quickly disseminating legal content....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21376597/
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Don't Believe Everything You Read
If you have received an email that warns you to protect your cellphone number, before it is added to telemarketing lists, don't worry. This is another false rumor. According to the FTC, it already illegal for most telemarketers to contact anyone on a mobile device.
Agency Warns of Cellphone Scam
By Christopher S. Rugaber
Associated Press, published in USA Today
Oct. 14, 2007
WASHINGTON — An e-mail warning consumers that cellphone numbers will soon be released to telemarketers is making the rounds again, and government officials have a key detail they'd like to add: it's totally bogus.
The e-mails say that recipients must add their cellphone numbers to the federal government's Do Not Call registry by a certain deadline in order to avoid being deluged by telemarketing calls.
But there is no deadline, cellphone numbers aren't about to be released to telemarketers and it is already illegal for most telemarketers to call mobile phones, the Federal Trade Commission said Friday.
It's against the law for telemarketers to use automated dialing to reach cellphones, pagers or any other service in which the recipient has to pay for the call. Automated dialing is used by most telemarketers.
The e-mail rumor has circulated before, but Mitchell Katz, a spokesman for the FTC, said the agency has experienced a recent surge in calls and inquiries about it....
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-10-12-bogus-email-phone-scam_N.htm
Agency Warns of Cellphone Scam
By Christopher S. Rugaber
Associated Press, published in USA Today
Oct. 14, 2007
WASHINGTON — An e-mail warning consumers that cellphone numbers will soon be released to telemarketers is making the rounds again, and government officials have a key detail they'd like to add: it's totally bogus.
The e-mails say that recipients must add their cellphone numbers to the federal government's Do Not Call registry by a certain deadline in order to avoid being deluged by telemarketing calls.
But there is no deadline, cellphone numbers aren't about to be released to telemarketers and it is already illegal for most telemarketers to call mobile phones, the Federal Trade Commission said Friday.
It's against the law for telemarketers to use automated dialing to reach cellphones, pagers or any other service in which the recipient has to pay for the call. Automated dialing is used by most telemarketers.
The e-mail rumor has circulated before, but Mitchell Katz, a spokesman for the FTC, said the agency has experienced a recent surge in calls and inquiries about it....
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-10-12-bogus-email-phone-scam_N.htm
Pressure to Spy Came Early
Questioning the legality of public survellance, Qwest executive defends refusal to share private call records. Apparently, the phone company's cooperation was sought prior to the terrorist attacks of 2001.
Former Phone Chief Says Spy Agency Sought Surveillance Help Before 9/11
By: Scott Shane
New York Times
Published: October 14, 2007
The phone company Qwest Communications refused a proposal from the National Security Agency that the company’s lawyers considered illegal in February 2001, nearly seven months before the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, the former head of the company contends in newly unsealed court filings. The executive, Joseph P. Nacchio, also asserts in the filings that the agency retaliated by depriving Qwest of lucrative outsourcing contracts....
Mr. Nacchio said last year that he had refused an N.S.A. request for customers’ call records in late 2001, after the Sept. 11 attacks, as the agency initiated domestic surveillance and data mining programs to monitor Al Qaeda communications.
But the documents unsealed Wednesday in federal court in Denver, first reported in The Rocky Mountain News on Thursday, claim for the first time that pressure on the company to participate in activities it saw as improper came as early as February, nearly seven months before the terrorist attacks....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/14qwest.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin
Former Phone Chief Says Spy Agency Sought Surveillance Help Before 9/11
By: Scott Shane
New York Times
Published: October 14, 2007
The phone company Qwest Communications refused a proposal from the National Security Agency that the company’s lawyers considered illegal in February 2001, nearly seven months before the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, the former head of the company contends in newly unsealed court filings. The executive, Joseph P. Nacchio, also asserts in the filings that the agency retaliated by depriving Qwest of lucrative outsourcing contracts....
Mr. Nacchio said last year that he had refused an N.S.A. request for customers’ call records in late 2001, after the Sept. 11 attacks, as the agency initiated domestic surveillance and data mining programs to monitor Al Qaeda communications.
But the documents unsealed Wednesday in federal court in Denver, first reported in The Rocky Mountain News on Thursday, claim for the first time that pressure on the company to participate in activities it saw as improper came as early as February, nearly seven months before the terrorist attacks....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/14qwest.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Another Catch to Low Rates
VarTec's Undisclosed Minimal Requirement
Attention: 10-10-297 Users! The "Revolutionary Low Rate" of 3 cents/minute that brought you to VarTec now comes with additional baggage. Besides a 39 cent connection fee on every call, you are also required to spend a minimum of $5.00 per month. It's one thing to require minimal billing, but not to inform customers (who are already paying outrageous connection fees plus a monthy recovery fee) is really lousy. Minimal requirements and reoccurring monthly fees are an unwelcome trend in long distance. Even with acceptance of the inevitable, it is highly irritating that some carriers fail to disclose new terms to existing or potential customers. VarTec's webpage( http://www.vartec.com/EN/Products/LD/3cent.asp), for example, does not reveal the $5 minimum. A friend of mine, who noticed the fee on his bill, tipped me off to this new policy. I had to call VarTec and ask a rep very specific questions to get this information.
Someone like me, who rarely makes long distance calls, didn't mind paying a connection fee because my bills are usually less than $5 anyway. Those days are over! I'm looking for a new dial-around without connection fees or minimal requirements. So far, the Dial Uno "cerca" plan(http://www.dialuno.com/) has promise. The state-to-state rate is 6.9/minute, with no per call connection fees, minimal requirements, or monthly fees. This service also has great international rates. Another good option is Everdial Around (http://www.everdial.net/). Their state-to-state rate is just 5.5 cents/minute, with a 99 cent monthly fee and no minimal requirement. Low rates, like VarTec's 3 cents/minute, are incredibly appealing. Unfortunately, this "revolutionary" rate isn't so exciting when tacked with extra fees and requirements.
Attention: 10-10-297 Users! The "Revolutionary Low Rate" of 3 cents/minute that brought you to VarTec now comes with additional baggage. Besides a 39 cent connection fee on every call, you are also required to spend a minimum of $5.00 per month. It's one thing to require minimal billing, but not to inform customers (who are already paying outrageous connection fees plus a monthy recovery fee) is really lousy. Minimal requirements and reoccurring monthly fees are an unwelcome trend in long distance. Even with acceptance of the inevitable, it is highly irritating that some carriers fail to disclose new terms to existing or potential customers. VarTec's webpage( http://www.vartec.com/EN/Products/LD/3cent.asp), for example, does not reveal the $5 minimum. A friend of mine, who noticed the fee on his bill, tipped me off to this new policy. I had to call VarTec and ask a rep very specific questions to get this information.
Someone like me, who rarely makes long distance calls, didn't mind paying a connection fee because my bills are usually less than $5 anyway. Those days are over! I'm looking for a new dial-around without connection fees or minimal requirements. So far, the Dial Uno "cerca" plan(http://www.dialuno.com/) has promise. The state-to-state rate is 6.9/minute, with no per call connection fees, minimal requirements, or monthly fees. This service also has great international rates. Another good option is Everdial Around (http://www.everdial.net/). Their state-to-state rate is just 5.5 cents/minute, with a 99 cent monthly fee and no minimal requirement. Low rates, like VarTec's 3 cents/minute, are incredibly appealing. Unfortunately, this "revolutionary" rate isn't so exciting when tacked with extra fees and requirements.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Wellness Phone Revealed
Imagine a cell phone that can act as a personal personal trainer. The latest technological develop applied to cellphones may actually help keep you healthy. If personal wellness is one of your major concerns, this cutting-edge phone may be a useful tool.
New Prototype Phone Gives Fitness Check
By: Hiroko Tabuchi
Associated Press
October 6th, 2007
CHIBA, Japan - It can take your pulse, check your body fat, time your jogs and tell you if you have bad breath. It even assesses stress levels and inspires you with a pep talk. Meet your new personal trainer: your cell phone.
The prototype Wellness mobile phone from Japan's NTT DoCoMo Inc. targets users with busy lives who want a hassle-free way of keeping track of their health, according to company spokesman Noriaki Tobita. The phone, unveiled this week at the CEATEC electronics show outside Tokyo, has an inbuilt motion sensor that detects body movement and calculates how many calories you burn....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071006/ap_on_hi_te/japan_workout_phone;_ylt=AnT2w.OOyStrZermOmYFJd2s0NUE
New Prototype Phone Gives Fitness Check
By: Hiroko Tabuchi
Associated Press
October 6th, 2007
CHIBA, Japan - It can take your pulse, check your body fat, time your jogs and tell you if you have bad breath. It even assesses stress levels and inspires you with a pep talk. Meet your new personal trainer: your cell phone.
The prototype Wellness mobile phone from Japan's NTT DoCoMo Inc. targets users with busy lives who want a hassle-free way of keeping track of their health, according to company spokesman Noriaki Tobita. The phone, unveiled this week at the CEATEC electronics show outside Tokyo, has an inbuilt motion sensor that detects body movement and calculates how many calories you burn....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071006/ap_on_hi_te/japan_workout_phone;_ylt=AnT2w.OOyStrZermOmYFJd2s0NUE
More Outrageous Long Distance Fees!
Dialaround 101-6868 Imposes 39 Cent Connection Fee
Attention: 101-6868 Users!
If you have enjoyed the 101 6868 dial-around service for many years, you will be shocked to find a ridiculous 39 cent connection fee on EVERY call. This new fee can lead to very expensive phonebills, especially when your calls only last a few minutes. It's a shame! While 101-6868 never offered the best deal, they had decent rates. Without a promise of no monthly fees or per call connection charges, this service is useless.
Here is the fee disclosure copied from the 101-6868 website:
101-6868 SERVICE IS PROVIDED UNDER THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Rates shown are per minute and do not apply to calls to Directory Assistance. A Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) billing fee is added to the total of charges. A Universal Service Fund Fee (USF) applies to all charges. 39¢ connection fee applies to all calls. All rates are subject to change without notice. (http://www.101-6868.com/pt1.nsf/www.pt-1.html)
Very disappointing, but don't lose hope. There are still a few carriers without per-call connection fees or outrageous monthly charges. Some alternative suggestions can be found at: www.1010phonerates.com . A couple of good plans that don't have connection fees are: Dialuno Cerca1010 (6.9 interstate, 95 cent monthly fee, great international rates) or EverdialAround (5.5 interstate, no fees), both hosted by Primus Telecommunications. You might also like Powerdial by Power Net Global (800 # that works like a 1010).
Attention: 101-6868 Users!
If you have enjoyed the 101 6868 dial-around service for many years, you will be shocked to find a ridiculous 39 cent connection fee on EVERY call. This new fee can lead to very expensive phonebills, especially when your calls only last a few minutes. It's a shame! While 101-6868 never offered the best deal, they had decent rates. Without a promise of no monthly fees or per call connection charges, this service is useless.
Here is the fee disclosure copied from the 101-6868 website:
101-6868 SERVICE IS PROVIDED UNDER THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Rates shown are per minute and do not apply to calls to Directory Assistance. A Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) billing fee is added to the total of charges. A Universal Service Fund Fee (USF) applies to all charges. 39¢ connection fee applies to all calls. All rates are subject to change without notice. (http://www.101-6868.com/pt1.nsf/www.pt-1.html)
Very disappointing, but don't lose hope. There are still a few carriers without per-call connection fees or outrageous monthly charges. Some alternative suggestions can be found at: www.1010phonerates.com . A couple of good plans that don't have connection fees are: Dialuno Cerca1010 (6.9 interstate, 95 cent monthly fee, great international rates) or EverdialAround (5.5 interstate, no fees), both hosted by Primus Telecommunications. You might also like Powerdial by Power Net Global (800 # that works like a 1010).
Saturday, October 6, 2007
iPhones Freezing All Over the Place
Consumers who thought they could outsmart Apple were were sadly mistaken. The latest Apple updates erase unauthorized software and may potentially cause iPhones to self-distruct.
Altered iPhones Freeze Up
By: Katie Hafner
New York Times
Published: Sept. 29, 2007
Since the iPhone hit the market in June, tech-savvy owners of the phone have been busy messing with its insides, figuring out how to add unauthorized software and even “unlock” it for use on networks other than AT&T’s.
But the Web was filled Friday with complaints from people who had installed the latest iPhone software update, only to see all the fun little programs they had been adding to their iPhones disappear — or, still worse, see their phones freeze up entirely…. Apple officials have been warning iPhone owners that using unlocking software could cause the phone to become 'permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed.' But in many cases those warnings went unheeded".... http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/29/technology/29iphone.html?ref=technology
Visit us at: www.1010phonerates.com
Altered iPhones Freeze Up
By: Katie Hafner
New York Times
Published: Sept. 29, 2007
Since the iPhone hit the market in June, tech-savvy owners of the phone have been busy messing with its insides, figuring out how to add unauthorized software and even “unlock” it for use on networks other than AT&T’s.
But the Web was filled Friday with complaints from people who had installed the latest iPhone software update, only to see all the fun little programs they had been adding to their iPhones disappear — or, still worse, see their phones freeze up entirely…. Apple officials have been warning iPhone owners that using unlocking software could cause the phone to become 'permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed.' But in many cases those warnings went unheeded".... http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/29/technology/29iphone.html?ref=technology
Visit us at: www.1010phonerates.com
Disney Mobile Service Discontinued
The Walt Disney Copmany is unable to compete in the hyper-competitive cellphone market. Their family-based service ends this year.
Disney to End Cellphone Service
By: REUTERS
New York Times
Published: Sept. 28, 2007
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27 (Reuters) — The Walt Disney Company said on Thursday it would stop operating its United States-based mobile phone service at the end of the year to reassess how it competes in a tough market for high-end cellphone services.
Disney said it would serve and support current customers of the service, with features that allow parents to display the location of a child’s phone on a map and monitor use, until Dec. 31…. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/28/technology/28disney.html?ref=technology
Disney to End Cellphone Service
By: REUTERS
New York Times
Published: Sept. 28, 2007
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27 (Reuters) — The Walt Disney Company said on Thursday it would stop operating its United States-based mobile phone service at the end of the year to reassess how it competes in a tough market for high-end cellphone services.
Disney said it would serve and support current customers of the service, with features that allow parents to display the location of a child’s phone on a map and monitor use, until Dec. 31…. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/28/technology/28disney.html?ref=technology
Teen Driving & Cell-Phones Don't Mix
California joins 15 other states in legistation that prohibits teenagers from using mobile phones while driving.
California bans cell-phone use for teen drivers
-Older motorists are allowed hands-free devices — but minors aren't
Associated Press
Sept 14, 2007
"A message from the state of California to its 16- and 17-year-olds: Dnt txt n drv — thx. A law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday will require those teens to put down all cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Older drivers will be able to use hands-free devices but minors won’t enjoy that luxury — in part because of the popularity of text-messaging among teens....Schwarzenegger’s signature means California joins 15 states and the District of Columbia in banning the use of wireless communication devices for teenage drivers. Nearly a dozen other states are considering similar action, according to the American Automobile Association. The governor cited statistics by the California Highway Patrol that cell phone use is a primary cause of accidents caused by distracted drivers. He also referred to a Ford Motor Co. study saying teens are four times more likely to be distracted than adults by cell phone use"....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20776386?GT1=10357
California bans cell-phone use for teen drivers
-Older motorists are allowed hands-free devices — but minors aren't
Associated Press
Sept 14, 2007
"A message from the state of California to its 16- and 17-year-olds: Dnt txt n drv — thx. A law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday will require those teens to put down all cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Older drivers will be able to use hands-free devices but minors won’t enjoy that luxury — in part because of the popularity of text-messaging among teens....Schwarzenegger’s signature means California joins 15 states and the District of Columbia in banning the use of wireless communication devices for teenage drivers. Nearly a dozen other states are considering similar action, according to the American Automobile Association. The governor cited statistics by the California Highway Patrol that cell phone use is a primary cause of accidents caused by distracted drivers. He also referred to a Ford Motor Co. study saying teens are four times more likely to be distracted than adults by cell phone use"....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20776386?GT1=10357
Google Leads Campaign for Internet Privacy
Perhaps it is ironic that Google is calling for legislation to protect the privacy of consumers on the internet.
Google Calls for International Standards on Internet Privacy
By: Catherine Rampell
Washington Post
September 15, 2007
"Google, a frequent target of privacy advocates, yesterday called for new international standards on the collection and use of consumer data. Peter Fleischer, global privacy counsel for Google, told a U.N. audience in Strasbourg, France, that fragmentary international privacy laws burden companies and don't protect consumers. He argued for an international body such as the United Nations to create standards that individual countries could then adopt and adapt to fit their needs….Google has been criticized for its privacy policies and its planned $3.1 billion merger with DoubleClick, an online advertising broker that sells banner and video ads. To target their advertising, both Google, which specializes in text ads, and DoubleClick collect information on which sites users visit"....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/13/AR2007091302248.html
Google Calls for International Standards on Internet Privacy
By: Catherine Rampell
Washington Post
September 15, 2007
"Google, a frequent target of privacy advocates, yesterday called for new international standards on the collection and use of consumer data. Peter Fleischer, global privacy counsel for Google, told a U.N. audience in Strasbourg, France, that fragmentary international privacy laws burden companies and don't protect consumers. He argued for an international body such as the United Nations to create standards that individual countries could then adopt and adapt to fit their needs….Google has been criticized for its privacy policies and its planned $3.1 billion merger with DoubleClick, an online advertising broker that sells banner and video ads. To target their advertising, both Google, which specializes in text ads, and DoubleClick collect information on which sites users visit"....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/13/AR2007091302248.html
Marley Family Insulted by Verizon Wireless
The estate of Bob Marley is careful to approve endorsement deals in order to protect the reputation of the late reggae artist. Verizon Wireless overstepped this concern by making a deal with Universtal Music Group. Ringtones will be made available without the family's blessing.
Family Challenges Verizon Wireless Deal to Sell Bob Marley Ring Tones
New York Times
By: Andrew Adam Newman
Aug. 31, 2007
"It looked like a public relations coup when, on Tuesday, Verizon Wireless announced that it had signed an exclusive deal with the Universal Music Group to sell its customers ring tones from the catalog of Bob Marley, the famed reggae singer who died in 1981.
But two days later his survivors decided to, as Mr. Marley famously sang, stir it up, announcing that they would file a lawsuit to block the deal"…. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/business/31marley.html?ref=technology
Family Challenges Verizon Wireless Deal to Sell Bob Marley Ring Tones
New York Times
By: Andrew Adam Newman
Aug. 31, 2007
"It looked like a public relations coup when, on Tuesday, Verizon Wireless announced that it had signed an exclusive deal with the Universal Music Group to sell its customers ring tones from the catalog of Bob Marley, the famed reggae singer who died in 1981.
But two days later his survivors decided to, as Mr. Marley famously sang, stir it up, announcing that they would file a lawsuit to block the deal"…. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/business/31marley.html?ref=technology
iPhone Hacked by 17 yr. old
A smart teenager figured out how to break the technological locks confining the iPhone to AT&T’s network and posted the instructions online.
With Software and Soldering, a Non-AT&T iPhone
New York Times
By: Brad Stone
Aug. 25, 2007
AT&T is paying millions to be the exclusive United States provider of Apple’s much-hyped and glowingly reviewed gadget, the iPhone.
It took 17-year-old George Hotz two months of work to undermine AT&T’s investment.
Mr. Hotz, a resident of Glen Rock, N.J., published detailed instructions online this week that he says will let iPhone owners abandon AT&T’s service and use their phones on some competing cellular networks....People who work on unlocking cellphones say those technical locks unfairly restrict customer choice. They want to give cellphone users the flexibility to take their phones with them overseas without incurring heavy roaming fees, or to transfer the devices to other networks once a user’s service contract has expired"....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/25/technology/25iphone.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin
With Software and Soldering, a Non-AT&T iPhone
New York Times
By: Brad Stone
Aug. 25, 2007
AT&T is paying millions to be the exclusive United States provider of Apple’s much-hyped and glowingly reviewed gadget, the iPhone.
It took 17-year-old George Hotz two months of work to undermine AT&T’s investment.
Mr. Hotz, a resident of Glen Rock, N.J., published detailed instructions online this week that he says will let iPhone owners abandon AT&T’s service and use their phones on some competing cellular networks....People who work on unlocking cellphones say those technical locks unfairly restrict customer choice. They want to give cellphone users the flexibility to take their phones with them overseas without incurring heavy roaming fees, or to transfer the devices to other networks once a user’s service contract has expired"....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/25/technology/25iphone.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin
Major Telecom Providers Spy for the Government
How private are your phonecalls? This article reports on the involvement of major telephone providers in citizen surveillance conducted by the U.S. government.
Role of Telecom Firms in Wiretaps Is Confirmed
New York Times
By: Eric Lichtblau
Aug. 23, 2007
"The Bush administration has confirmed for the first time that American telecommunications companies played a crucial role in the National Security Agency’s domestic eavesdropping program after asserting for more than a year that any role played by them was a “state secret”....AT&T and several other major carriers are being sued over their reported role in the program, which permitted eavesdropping without warrants on the international communications of Americans suspected of terrorism ties. The administration has sought to shut down the lawsuits by invoking the state-secrets privilege, refusing even to confirm whether the companies helped conduct the wiretaps"....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/24/washington/24nsa.html?ref=technology
Role of Telecom Firms in Wiretaps Is Confirmed
New York Times
By: Eric Lichtblau
Aug. 23, 2007
"The Bush administration has confirmed for the first time that American telecommunications companies played a crucial role in the National Security Agency’s domestic eavesdropping program after asserting for more than a year that any role played by them was a “state secret”....AT&T and several other major carriers are being sued over their reported role in the program, which permitted eavesdropping without warrants on the international communications of Americans suspected of terrorism ties. The administration has sought to shut down the lawsuits by invoking the state-secrets privilege, refusing even to confirm whether the companies helped conduct the wiretaps"....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/24/washington/24nsa.html?ref=technology
Is it ethical for Apple to restrict the iPhone?
Many wireless users diagree with Apple policies that stricty reserve iPhone access to AT&T subscribers. When it comes to owning an iPhone, it's a "take it or leave it" situation. Is this practice a fair business strategy or a violation of consumer rights?
Handcuffs Chafe Wireless Users
USA Today
By: Leslie Cauley
Aug. 23, 2007
"To many, the Apple (AAPL) iPhone is the ultimate wireless device — a seductive blend of technology, function and dead-on cool, all wrapped into a sleek package.
To others, it's a glaring example of what's wrong with the U.S. wireless industry in general.
The iPhone offers superior technology, but public policies in this country allow (Apple) to chain that technology to one massive company, AT&T (T), rather than allow consumers to make the choices they want," charges Josh Silver, co-founder of Free Press, a consumer advocacy group. His latest campaign — "Free the iPhone" — promotes an open Internet and consumer-friendly public policies for mobile devices. The website (www.freetheiphone.org) has resulted in 'tens of thousands of supporting petitions,' he says...."
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2007-08-22-cellphones-abroad_N.htm
Handcuffs Chafe Wireless Users
USA Today
By: Leslie Cauley
Aug. 23, 2007
"To many, the Apple (AAPL) iPhone is the ultimate wireless device — a seductive blend of technology, function and dead-on cool, all wrapped into a sleek package.
To others, it's a glaring example of what's wrong with the U.S. wireless industry in general.
The iPhone offers superior technology, but public policies in this country allow (Apple) to chain that technology to one massive company, AT&T (T), rather than allow consumers to make the choices they want," charges Josh Silver, co-founder of Free Press, a consumer advocacy group. His latest campaign — "Free the iPhone" — promotes an open Internet and consumer-friendly public policies for mobile devices. The website (www.freetheiphone.org) has resulted in 'tens of thousands of supporting petitions,' he says...."
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2007-08-22-cellphones-abroad_N.htm
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