Apple spends to lobby

During the second quarter of 2008, Apple reportedly spend $450,000 on lobbying within the federal government, under a broad spectrum of interests in energy conservation, education, and intellectual property rights. Forbes writes that a disclosure form – which Apple filed July 21st – shows Apple dividing the aforementioned figure among patent reforms, consumer product safety, No Child Left Behind, and energy efficiency, as well as initiatives to quash spyware.

Apple also maintained its stance of network neutrality, showing funding divided to the effort. The federal government has examined both AT&T and Comcast recently over network neutrality concerns, with either barring particular types of software from operating on each respective network. Also in telecommunications, Apple also lobbied to reform the Universal Service Fund, a plan that helps bring current telephone technology to rural or ignored areas.

In addition, Apple cast part of its focus over the 2009 transition from analogue to digital wireless broadcasting, which will free up several wireless spectrums in the 700MHz and 2.1GHz bands for upcoming or international companies.

by MacNN Staff