12/06, 6:36pm
FCC chair claims need to prevent Obamacare website-like debacle in auction
Citing a need for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to "get the enabling technology right," new chairman Tom Wheeler has delayed a spectrum auction. The auction pays television broadcasters for unused spectrum left unused after the shift to digital television. The FCC will then auction off the reclaimed spectrum to wireless carriers to expand wireless networks.
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12/03, 10:28am
Asus tablet variants in filing will run Windows, Android, or both
A tablet from Asus capable of running two operating systems has appeared in an FCC filing. The tablet, going under the model names M82T, L82T, and R82T, is able to run on both Android KitKat and Windows 8, though a further six variants are listed as Windows-specific and Android-specific models, suggesting there will be a total of nine available using the same base hardware.
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11/22, 7:20am
Proposal comes after FAA, EASA allows device use in flights
Passengers on flights in the United States may be allowed to use the cellular connection on their smartphones and tablets while traveling in the future. New proposals from the FCC come weeks after the FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) allowed device use at all stages of flight, and after the European Commission (EC) permitted 3G and 4G LTE connections during transit.
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09/30, 1:21pm
DVX shares physical styling to Moto X, loses LTE, NFC
Motorola could be working on a low-cost version of its Moto X flagship smartphone, according to filings at the FCC. Images in the filing, submitted to show how the smartphone is set-up for testing, gives an almost complete front and back shot of what is believed to be the Motorola DVX, with only a few minor stickers placed on the rear.
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09/29, 8:16pm
BlackBerry smartphones in website sales supplied unlocked
BlackBerry is attempting to improve the sales of some of its smartphones by making them available directly. The manufacturer is selling the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 through its website, with the incoming BlackBerry Z30 also being seen at the FCC ahead of its expected release on networks in Canada in the near future.
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09/28, 11:34pm
Document uses tablet description in last page of testing report
The long-rumored tablet from Nokia has been spotted again, this time going through FCC certification. A filing at the commission for the Nokia RX-114 shows that the company is still working on a tablet, complete with LTE support for Verizon. T-Mobile, and AT&T, as well as GSM/Edge and HSPA+ support, and suggests that a launch could be around the corner.
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09/19, 10:23am
Screen of HTC One Max shown to be larger than Note 3
Another set of photographs of the HTC One Max has surfaced, making its possible release appear to be even more likely. The new images, comparing it with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, come at the same time as the HTC Desire 601 makes its way through the FCC, suggesting a release of the mid-range smartphone could be happening soon.
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09/18, 8:36am
Proposal designed to protect consumers
The US Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration has formally petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to implement rules forcing carriers to unlock cellphones and other mobile devices. The proposal argues that subscribers should be able to simply ask for a device to be unlocked for use on another compatible network.
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09/12, 10:54am
Special edition aimed at cooks
Sony has introduced a special "Kitchen Edition" of its 10.1-inch Xperia Z tablet. The new offering, which was spotted by Engadget, ships with an iGrill wireless meat thermometer, pre-loaded food apps and videos, and a foldable stand. The company boasts that its waterproof tablet can be rinsed off under fresh water or even submerged for a half hour.
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09/12, 10:35am
Explains improved performance in official Apple specs
Both the iPhone 5s and the 5c use slightly better batteries, helping to explain some of the improved power performance claimed by Apple, FCC documents show. The 5c's battery has roughly 5 percent more capacity than the iPhone 5, up to 5.73Whr and 1507mAh. The 5s has 10 percent more, sitting at 5.96Whr and 1570mAh.
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09/09, 3:07pm
Oral arguments to be heard in appeals court
Verizon and the Federal Communications Commission are set to present oral arguments in an ongoing legal dispute that is being heard at the US Court of Appeals in Washington DC. The company has argued that the FCC is overstepping its authority by imposing broad "net neutrality" regulations, which are claimed to violate constitutional rights regarding property and free speech. Both sides are now tasked with defending their position in front of a three-judge panel.
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09/09, 10:02am
Accompanying manual suggests premium version with camera, stylus
Following an appearance at the Taiwan National Communications Commission in late August, the Nvidia Tegra Tab has made its way through FCC testing. The seven-inch P1460 tablet, appearing in identical images to the NCC filing, is accompanied by a manual that shows it as having a relatively-untouched stock installation of Android Jelly Bean.
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07/31, 2:53pm
Google defends Fiber server complaint with 'industry standard' response
Google has seemingly changed its mind over net neutrality, based on a response to a complaint made to the FCC. The search giant believes that it can ban servers from its Google Fiber service as it is something practiced by other Internet Service Providers, and does not go against the net neutrality rules that it has championed in the past.
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07/29, 7:14pm
ASCAP claims Pandora meets none of the wickets for proper broadcast
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) has filed a formal protest with the US Federal Communications Commission, opposing streaming radio purveyor Pandora's attempted purchase of a radio station in Rapid City, South Dakota. ASCAP is opposing the deal on procedural grounds, saying that Pandora failed to properly reveal its international interests involved in the company, and in not doing so, isn't properly proving that it does not exceed foreign ownership rules set by the FCC.
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07/29, 9:11am
Confidentiality letter hides FCC photos until September 30th or earlier launch
Sony's rumored Honami smartphone has made an appearance at the FCC, according to a recent filing. The appearance at the Commission suggests that Sony could be launching the codenamed Xperia i1 the United States and further afield in the near future, with the device having been in testers hands since the 17th of June.
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07/26, 12:00pm
Finished devices could be coming off assembly line
A new photo shows what appears to be the back of a completed low-cost iPhone, sometimes known as the iPhone Lite, reports say. Unlike past leaks, the camera, headphone, and Lightning ports appear to be filled, and the back has various certification markings, including one from the FCC. The device hasn't been spotted in FCC filings, but like some other companies Apple typically requests that approvals be kept quiet until a product has been formally announced.
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07/23, 10:00pm
Move expected to cost DoD $3.5 billion, somewhat offset by sale
As part of the FCC's initiative to reclaim unused and poorly-utilized bandwidth, the US Department of Defense is proposing that it compress some of its use of allocated bandwidth, freeing up some for auction. The military is looking at moving all traffic into the 1780-1850MHz region of the spectrum, making available the 1755 to 1780MHz and 2025-2110MHz bands for sale.
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07/23, 7:13am
Manufacturing labels for Japan, China suggest high production levels
The Sony PlayStation 4 has been spotted heading through the FCC for approval. The upcoming game console, due to ship before the end of this year, is shown in the filing to have both China and Japan listed as the country of manufacture, suggesting that Sony is attempting to make sure there are as few console supply issues as possible at launch.
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07/05, 4:54pm
Little additional regulatory approval remaining to complete the deal
As expected, the FCC has officially given the green light to the Softbank purchase of Sprint and the corresponding Sprint purchase of ClearWire. The statement from acting FCC chairwoman Mignon Clyburn said that the deal serves the public interest and will "accelerate the deployment of mobile broadband services and enhance competition."
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07/03, 8:58am
Last major hurdle in Sprint acquisition allegedly cleared, soon to be finalized
The Federal Communications Commission will allow for the acquisition of Sprint by Softbank, according to a report. Members of the Commission have apparently voted on the purchase with two out of three commissioners voting for the deal, and all but effectively completes the $21.6 billion deal between the two carriers.
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06/27, 11:54pm
Freed spectrum lies close to Sprint PCS-occupied frequencies
Today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a "Report and Order" that will increase the nation's supply of radio spectrum for flexible use services, including mobile broadband, by opening 10 megahertz of spectrum in the 1915-1920 MHz and 1995-2000 MHz (H Block) bands for commercial licensing.
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06/27, 12:42pm
Headphone socket to allow private audio streaming on Roku stick
Roku will be adding an audio output to the remote control for its Streaming Stick, according to filings with the Federal Communications Commission. The filing reveals two version of the remote control, showing a version with the headphone socket built into the side of the device, as well as a more conventional model with the new addition removed from view.
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06/20, 11:09am
Support for AT&T LTE bands found in large Samsung smartphone
The Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 could be heading to AT&T, according to details found in an FCC filing. The smartphone with the 6.3-inch display made its send trip to the Commission for clearance, and while in the first instance it was shown to have AT&T-supported HSPA+, this time it is equipped with AT&T 4G LTE bands.
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06/14, 11:00pm
Subscribers can opt to receive AMBER and emergency push notices
An FCC mandate for a Wireless Emergency Alert system implemented on mobile devices is now being delivered to iPhones by AT&T, the country's second-largest carrier. The government-issued messages will appear in a manner similar to text messages, reports AppleInsider, but are actually delivered by a different and faster system (at no charge to the user). They will include mandatory Presidential alerts (issued by the White House), and the option to receive Imminent Threat alerts and AMBER alerts.
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06/14, 8:44am
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, 32GB storage also detailed
An Asus tablet that could be the successor to the Nexus 7 has appeared at the FCC, matching previous rumors. A device by the name of "ASUS Pad" with the model number K009 appeared in a filing, and according to details listed in the Commission's paperwork, would include LTE connectivity as well as a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera.
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06/08, 7:09pm
Windows Phone, Android smartphones could be priced under $100 on-contract
Two more phones destined for Sprint have been revealed in separate FTC filings. The HTC Tiara with Windows Phone 8 and the ZTE Vital appear in filings with LTE connectivity for Sprint's network, suggesting that the two devices will receive some form of official announcement from the carrier in the coming months.
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06/07, 1:09pm
Filing suggests possible host of cheaper BlackBerry phone in US
The BlackBerry Q5, the cheaper alternative to the BlackBerry Q10 that is destined for emerging markets, could be heading to the United States soon, according to an FCC filing. A device matching the appearance of the BB10 OS smartphone has been spotted in the listing, suggesting it may make an appearance in the US after all.
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05/30, 3:30am
Second Samsung Galaxy phone to pass through FCC in two days
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active has passed through the FCC for certification, just one day after the Galaxy Note 8.0 did the same thing. The federal filing reveals that the ruggedized version of the Samsung flagship smartphone will have LTE connectivity, just like the original, with AT&T likely to be one of the carriers to launch the device.
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05/27, 11:34am
Gaming tablet shown without detachable controller, display removed
The Wikipad has reached the FCC for testing, with the federal filing showing off the tablet without its detachable controller. The retooled gaming tablet, complete with the smaller 7-inch display instead of the 10.1-inch version it was originally shown to have, is pictured by the Commission with and without its back cover, along with profile shots of its internal circuitry.
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05/18, 2:13pm
Model number of media streamer reference to Douglas Adams book
A filing at the FCC suggests that Google is not letting go from its television plans, with the appearance of a new device. The item, described in the filing as a "media player," has been submitted for various tests, though there is little in the way of details for the device to be found inside the multiple PDF documents on the FCC website.
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05/01, 7:26pm
Telecom enthusiastic about new chair, Wheeler's stances on industry unclear
As rumored yesterday, President Obama has nominated former wireless lobbyist Tom Wheeler to replace outgoing FCC chairman Julius Genachowski. An acting chair has also been named to serve until the Congressional approval process is complete -- Mignon Clyburn, four-year veteran of the agency will stand as head of the agency in the interim.
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04/24, 5:10pm
Bill introduces reforms to program to cut on waste and abuse
A new act was introduced to the House of Representatives yesterday seeks to update the "Lifeline" FCC program. The intent of the legislation is to expand the Lifeline program, and offer recipients the option of discounted telephone, mobile, and now, internet broadband access. The FCC chairman-supported bill was introduced on April 24 by representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Anne Eshoo (D-CA).
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04/17, 9:58am
FCC filing surfaces before Canada, UK Q10 launch
The BlackBerry Q10 has passed through FCC-mandated testing, ahead of a yet-to-be announced United States launch. The filings, made available earlier today, suggests that the first device with a keyboard running on BlackBerry 10 OS will be appearing on US carriers in the near future, alongside the touchscreen-based Z10 flagship.
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03/25, 12:33pm
Prohibitions against phones likely to stay in place
The US Federal Aviation Administration is hoping to announce looser restrictions on in-flight use of portable electronics by the end of 2013, according to sources for the New York Times. The people belong to an industry working group set up by the FAA, and add that the latter is specifically considering allowing reading devices during takeoff and landing, including tablets and e-readers. Devices may still have to be set to Airplane mode, though, and cellphones are expected to remain off-limits.
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03/22, 11:49am
Step down for Commission head due in coming weeks
The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Julius Genachowski, has announced he is stepping down from the position. Head of the FCC after being nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate in 2009, Genachowski will depart from the role in the next few weeks.
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03/08, 1:33pm
Senator proposing a bill to scrap current FAA rules
In a frustrated letter to FAA director Michael Huerta on Thursday, Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) expressed concern with Huerta's "lack of direct engagement" on the subject of in-flight use of personal electronic devices. The senator is proposing a bill to greatly increase the usage window of cellphones, tablets, music players, and other electronic devices before, during, and after the flight, including during takeoff and landing.
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03/04, 2:05pm
Data accuracy tested ahead of approval
The Federal Communications Commission has begun a 45-day public trial of Google's white-space spectrum database. The test run is designed to verify the accuracy of the system, which identifies unused portions of television spectrum, known as white spaces, that could be used for alternative forms of communication.
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03/01, 4:34pm
Chairman unsure of what power the FCC holds over the matter
The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has weighed in on the Internet response to the expiration of the exemption to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) which now bans the unauthorized consumer unlock of cell phones. Speaking to TechCrunch, Julian Genachowski said that he believes that the ban "raises competition concerns; it raises innovation concerns" and the agency would look into what they could do about the matter.
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02/21, 8:53am
Move aims to reduce hotspot congestion
The Federal Communications Commission is currently pushing to allocate additional spectrum for Wi-Fi devices, in an attempt to decrease hotspot congestion and improve performance. The proposal also aims to help accelerate the growth of the latest Wi-Fi technology that is capable of achieving wireless speeds in excess of one gigabit per second, likely referring to 802.11ac equipment that has begun to arrive on the market.
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02/20, 4:12pm
Regulations aim to prevent interference
The Federal Communications Commission has established a set of rules that will govern cellphone signal boosters, in response to concerns over network interference. The regulations have been drafted in collaboration with all four major US carriers, along with many of the smaller players, which have agreed to share the use of their licensed spectrum if booster manufacturers agree to implement safeguards that will protect network operation.
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02/12, 11:14am
Bands reserved since 1999 for vehicles may suffer from interference
Technologies being developed to aid in communications between cars may be affected by the Federal Communications Commission's plan to increase Wi-Fi spectrum. Bands reserved since 1999 for car-to-car communication may become collateral damage in the FCC's search for more wireless spectrum, and potentially puts the future of self-driving vehicles at risk.
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02/04, 2:24pm
Proposal faces stiff resistance from telecommunications lobby
The Federal Communications Commission has proposed the creation of "super Wi-Fi" networks across the US. The networks, in theory would be powerful enough to allow people to access the Internet through them without needing separate coverage via a carrier, has seen a number of parties within the wireless industry lobbying against such a proposal.
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01/24, 12:11pm
Experimental radio service to work around Google headquarters
Google is intending to build an experimental wireless service around its Mountain View headquarters, for currently unknown purposes. The search company has sent a request to the FCC for a license to allow the radio service to operate, and plans to test up to 50 base stations and 200 user devices during the licensed period.
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01/18, 3:00pm
FCC providing guidance, clearinghouse for information for project
Today at the US Conference of Mayors' Winter Meeting, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski called for construction of at least one "gigabit community" similar to Google's Kansas City fiber project, in all 50 states by 2015. Genachowski believes that "establishing gigabit communities nationwide will accelerate the creation of a critical mass of markets and innovation hubs" enabled by the ultra-fast Internet connectivity.
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01/09, 9:15pm
Proposal frees spectrum in the 5GHz band, aiding Wi-Fi congestion
At the Consumer Electronics Show, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced a proposal before the FCC to open up a "substantial" quantity of additional wireless spectrum for Wi-Fi, which would in theory allow for increased speed on wireless devices. The spectrum to be made available currently belongs to several Federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, and is mostly unused at present.
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12/31, 12:13pm
Lenovo Windows 8 tablet comes with AT&T connectivity
A new Windows 8 tablet from Lenovo might be making its way to North American shores, as the ThinkPad Helix convertible tablet has shown up in documents from the FCC. The ThinkPad Helix is an 11.6-inch tablet that plugs into a keyboard dock to enable easy switching between tablet use and Ultrabook function. The version spotted most recently will be compatible with AT&T's LTE bands, meaning the device may appear in a subsidized or carrier-exclusive model when it debuts.
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12/28, 5:35pm
Previous approval on 'ad-hoc' basis, new rules apply standards
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is loosening up restrictions for in-flight Internet technology. Under the newly-adopted framework, the new clearance rules are intended to boost competition and promote "the widespread availability of Internet access to aircraft passengers" according to the agency. The FAA has previously said that the FCC's establishment of universal standards will "help to streamline the process" for more ubiquitous internet access on airplanes.
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12/20, 6:07pm
Limits mostly time related, no financial disincentives
Following the unanimous approval of Dish Network's waiver to build out a LTE network in a congested area of bandwidth, details have become available detailing the restrictions the buildout will be under. According to the FCC, Dish must complete 40 percent of the proposed network within four years, and 70 percent within seven. If the 70 percent requirement isn't met, then Dish will be prohibited from offering service in the missed area.
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12/18, 12:37pm
Eestimated 20M smartphones as presents in US
The FCC has released an online tool that provides smartphone users a checklist to help protect their handsets. The Smartphone Security Checker, aimed at preventing attacks against mobile phones, has been unveiled ready for the start of the holiday season, where 20 million Americans are expected to receive a new mobile device as a present.
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12/13, 2:56am
Silent texts can save lives, fight crime through more citizen involvement
The FCC is calling on the top cellular carriers in the US to implement a text-to-911 system similar to that used throughout Europe, proposing a method called "over the top" messaging (uses either Wi-Fi or 3G/LET depending on what's available) similar to Apple's own Messages service. A text-to-911 service offers a number of advantages that complement traditional phone-based 911, including the ability to send silent texts in dangerous situations, aid for those who cannot speak (or speak clearly in some situations), assistance for the deaf and so on.
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