News of the movement for January 10, 2013


Save the Internet

Sen. Ron Wyden Lays Out Digital Freedom Agenda

Government's main role in technology should be to stop incumbent companies that try to "hotwire" the system, said Sen. Ron Wyden. "Not infrequently, they seek out special help from the government -- while claiming they want a marketplace that doesn't favor government intervention." Wyden called on "those activists in the cause of Internet freedom, and in the cause of the digital economy," to not let up after their success in defeating SOPA/PIPA.

Joe Mullin, Ars Technica

Wyden Lays Out Tech Policy Roadmap for 2013

Sen. Ron Wyden said he is working on legislation with Sen. Al Franken that would stiffen antitrust laws so major Internet service providers like Comcast and Verizon are prevented from discriminating against Web content that competes with their own services.

Jennifer Martinez, The Hill

Data Caps Undermine the Freedom to Compete

Consumers and innovators should not be forced to wait for the FCC to come to terms with the pressing issue of data caps. Sen. Ron Wyden unveiled his Freedom to Compete agenda at Consumer Electronic Show this week. He recognizes that data caps are a recipe for overpayment and under-use.

Michael Wineberg, Public Knowledge


Future of the Internet

Google Chief Urges North Korea to Embrace Web

Google CEO Eric E. Schmidt returned from a four-day visit to North Korea with a message for the reclusive nation’s young new leader: Embrace the Web or else. Schmidt, part of a private delegation led by former Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico that also sought to press North Korea on humanitarian and diplomatic issues, said North Korea risked falling further behind if it did not provide more access to cellphone service and the Internet.

Andrew Jacobs, New York Times

We Now Know Why Eric Schmidt Is in North Korea

Much controversy and mystery have surrounded Google's Eric Schmidt and former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's trip to North Korea. Ever since the first rumors about the trip came out, it hasn't been clear what its purpose was, with Richardson simply calling it a "private humanitarian trip." For Google's executive chairman, it turns out the endeavor was all about Internet freedom.

Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai, Mashable

FCC to Unleash Unlicensed Spectrum

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced plans to open a chunk of unlicensed spectrum to relieve the "Wi-Fi traffic jam." The spectrum, currently used by the U.S. government, is suitable for short-range use to relieve Wi-Fi congestion and improve Wi-Fi speeds at conferences and airports.

Rik Myslewski, The Register

Aereo CEO: The Days of the $200 Cable Bundle Are Numbered

Aereo, the Web TV service backed by Barry Diller, announced an expansion from New York City to 22 other cities, as well as a $38 million investment round. Aereo uses technology that includes tiny antennae to whisk broadcast TV signals into the cloud and allow subscribers, at $8 a month (or $1 a day), to access live TV on phones, tablets, computers or TV sets via a set-top boxes.

Michael Learmonth, AdAge

AT&T's New York Network Is Crap, Says T-Mobile CEO

T-Mobile CEO John Legere delivered quite the show at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. Not only did he unveil plans for the carrier's own 4G LTE network and a new data plan, Legere also derided rival AT&T's wireless network in New York City as "crap."

Charlie Osborne, CNet


Media Policy at the FCC

Why a Woman Should Lead the FCC

The new FCC chair will help shape the policies that define our media landscape and infrastructure for years to come. I want to see a woman give a keynote address at the next Consumer Electronic Show, as Chairman Julius Genachowski has in years past. I want to see a woman lead the fight in Washington for policies that connect more Americans to high-speed broadband. And I want to see someone who departs from Genachowski’s missteps — especially when it comes to diversity issues. I want President Obama to nominate a woman as the next FCC chair.

Tessa Simonds, Free Press

President Pushed to Nominate Woman as Next FCC Chair

The Women's Media Center is calling on President Barack Obama to nominate a woman to be the next -- and first -- head of the Federal Communications Commission. Several news stories have recently cited a male-dominated Obama administration, and WMC President Julie Burton cites them in calling for the appointment.

John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable