FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski

It seems FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski’s push to bring the Net Neutrality hammer down on wireless networks has spurred a response from industry leaders. Following on Genachowski’s move to add new regulations that could prevent wireless operators from blocking or banning many types of data-intensive applications from using their network, the mobile industry has responded. And the response isn’t all that positive.

AT&T (NYSE: T) is the most vocal opponent to the FCC’s new Net Neutrality initiative. The FCC’s proposed rules would ensure that broadband providers don’t discriminate against certain types of internet services or data, as well as requiring telecoms to be transparent in their data traffic-management policies. For AT&T, that could mean they would have to open their wireless network to all sorts of data-intensive services, like SlingPlayer for iPhone and VoIP services – and Big Blue isn’t happy about that.

The No. 2 US wireless carrier argues that, while they support Net Neutrality rules for their wired broadband business, limited wireless spectrum and bandwidth need to be considered when applying Net Neutrality policies to wireless networks. AT&T says that wireless networks are under “incredible bandwidth strains,” underscoring the carrier’s woeful 3G performance in major US metros.

AT&T went so far as to point out that they paid a premium for a slice of the 700Mhz frequency spectrum that wasn’t saddled with open-access stipulations last year. Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless, on the other hand, managed to snatch up the open-access portion of the spectrum at a relative bargain. To levy open-access stipulations on AT&T’s premium spectrum might give the impression that the FCC pulled a “‘bait and switch,’ and could raise questions about the fairness and integrity of the auction process itself.”

On the other hand, carriers have yet to utilize their 700Mhz spectrum holdings, and AT&T is even transitioning its 3G service from the 1900Mhz band to the 850Mhz band. That leaves a good bit of spectrum available to help with the strain. And, with 4G LTE networks coming online in the near future, it’s possible that wireless carriers will be see less strain from heavy data traffic.

While we’d love to see sweeping Net Neutrality regulations being applied to wireless networks, it’s hard to overlook the obstacles standing in wireless carriers’ way. The ball’s in the FCC’s court at this point.

[Via: NYT]

We dig the idea that Barnes and Noble wants to catch Amazon. In that sense, they’ve already launched a mobile application for multiple platforms and have agreed with AT&T for connectivity support for their future ebook reader (BTW: Sony also agreed with AT&T on the same matter). Now, the mentioned ebook reader, which apparently is made by Plastic Logic, has been spotted at the FCC. No external photos are available as B&N required confidentiality extension for 180 days (as of September 3rd), meaning will most probably have more details at some point next year. Stay tuned in the meantime…

[Via: Engadget]

Samsung’s first Android phone has worked its way through the FCC pipes on its way to Sprint (NYSE: S). We still know very little about the InstinctQ, other than that it will have EV-DO and Wi-Fi. Samsung has already shown with the I7500 Galaxy that they aren’t doing anything fancy with the user interface like HTC, Motorola (NYSE: MOT) and Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE), but who knows, maybe they’ll cook something up after getting used to the OS. Release date and price point are entirely guesswork right now, but Samsung did say that they would have an Android phone under the $100 mark this year, and rumours were floating around last month about a November release. Anyone excited for the first QWERTY Android smartphone since the G1?

[via UnwiredView]

With all the bruhaha surrounding the FCC’s investigation into Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)’s alleged rejection of Google (NSDQ: GOOG)’s Google Voice iPhone app, it’s refreshing to hear that FCC Chief Julius Genachowski is planning to propose new rules that may prevent network operators from discriminating against certain data traffic. If passed, the new regulations would make it illegal to block certain types of data traffic from traversing carriers’ networks and be up front about their network management policies – it could one day force wireless carriers in the US to open their networks to any and all mobile applications.

Straight from Genachowski’s post:

I believe we must choose to safeguard the openness that has made the Internet a stunning success. That is why today, I delivered a speech announcing that the FCC will be the smart cop on the beat when it comes to preserving a free and open Internet.

In particular, I proposed that the FCC adopt two new rules to help achieve this.

The first says broadband providers cannot discriminate against particular Internet content or applications. The second says broadband providers must be transparent about their network management practices. These principles would apply to the Internet however it is accessed, though how they apply may differ depending on the access platform or technology used. Of course, network operators will be permitted to implement reasonable network management practices to address issues such as spam, address copyright infringement, and otherwise ensure a safe and secure network for all users.

It still isn’t clear how the new regulations could affect mobile phone makers like Apple. Google recently un-redacted their response to the FCC’s inquiry into the Google and Apple’s handling of Google Voice for the AppStore. The comment calls Apple out for rejecting the Google Voice iPhone app, contradicting Apple’s own claim that the app is still being considered for the AppStore. At the heart of the issue is the reason behind the banning of iPhone apps like Google Voice and VoIP-based services from the AppStore. Unfortunately, because Apple isn’t a wireless carrier or any sort of telecom operator, Apple (as well as other manufacturers) may lie outside the FCC’s jurisdiction.

Regardless, the FCC’s renewed push to protect internet access and net neutrality rules is a good move. The commission is expected to hash out what kinds of data traffic management are and are not acceptable under the new guidelines. The FCC is also “seeking to ensure” healthy competition in the US wireless market.

Read more on the White House blog here.

[Via: WashingtonPost]

The latest development in the FCC investigation into the Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Voice iPhone app rejection by Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) is a juicy one. Following on Apple’s denial that the Google Voice iPhone app was explicitly rejected, Google has gone ahead and posted their full comment on the situation. In their statement, they allege that Apple’s own VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, Phil Schiller, called Google Senior Vice President of Engineering & research Alan Eustace to let him know that the Google’s Google Voice iPhone app had been denied entry to the AppStore. And that’s not even the juicy part!

The timeline of events here is what’s interesting. First, The FCC launched an investigation into Apple’s handling of iPhone apps – sparked by Apple’s banning of third-party Google Voice apps GV Mobile and VoiceCentral from the AppStore. That investigation prompted a response from Apple, in which they claim that the Google Voice app from Google was still under consideration for the AppStore. Google also responded to the FCC’s inquiry into Apple’s AppStore rejection policies, but requested the FCC to keep the comment under wraps.

This is where it gets fun.

With Apple sticking steadfast to their story that they hadn’t rejected the app, Google today lifted their FCC confidentiality request, allowing the public to finally see Google’s full comment on the matter. In Google’s full response to the FCC, they blame Apple for straight out rejected the Google Voice app. Google says that Apple rejected the app because the dialer duplicated functionality that was already available on the iPhone (the phone dialer).

On July 7, Eustace and Schiller spoke over the phone. It was during this call that Mr. Schiller informed Mr. Eustace that Apple was rejecting the Google Voice application for the reasons describe above in 2(a).

On Apple’s side, the iPhone maker responded, in a statement to Silicon Alley Insider, that Apple does “not agree with all of the statements made by Google in their FCC letter. Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application and we continue to discuss it with Google.”

So, if Google’s comment is to be believed, Apple lied to the FCC about rejecting Google Voice from the AppStore. If Apple is right, Google is lying about their Google Voice app being rejected. They can’t both be right. Either Apple or Google lied to the FCC, and will probably have to face the music sometime soon. What kind of music will that be? Probably the kind that brings heavy federal sanctions down on the liar.

Read Apple’s full comment here.
Read Google full comment here.
Read AT&T (NYSE: T) comment here.

[Via: SiliconAlleyInsider]

Nokia (NYSE: NOK)’s low-end 5230 touchscreen smartphone has been spotted while getting the so much needed FCC approval. The problem, however, is that the version of the device that has cleared the Commission doesn’t sing along AT&T (NYSE: T)’s 3G network. One must wonder why Nokia (and other handset makers for that matter) are going through the hassle of approving their devices by the FCC when they won’t sell them in the States. Sure, you will be able to grab the European version of the 5230 at Nokia Flagship Stores, but do you really want that? Having a 3G-enabled phone which 3G you can’t use is nonsense, except in the rare case you travel so much that you practically live on two continents. Go figure…

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) Aino, the multimedia device that was announced alongside two other SE phones – Satio (Idou) and Yari, has been approved by the FCC. Best of all, we’re talking about the version of the handset with all the right bands to sing along AT&T (NYSE: T)’s 3G network. Needless to say, the same version will work on Rogers (NYSE: RCI) Wireless’ network in Canada, as well.

Aside from 3G connectivity, Aino also prides itself with a large 3-inch 240×432 pixels touchscreen, WiFi, GPS, and an 8-megapixel camera. In that sense, it’s quite a capable device and we’ve no doubts, if priced correctly, it will sell like hot cupcakes. That’s in case AT&T picks it up, of course, and we hope they will.

[Via: Unwired View]

HP’s full QWERTY keyboard-equipped Windows Mobile smartphone, iPAQ K3 Obsidian, has been spotted while passing the FCC on its way to AT&T (NYSE: T). Why we think it’s heading there? Well, there are a couple of reasons:

• Its 3G radio sings on 850 and 1900MHz bands, AT&T uses;
• We’ve seen it in AT&T’s leaked roadmap;
• Finally, it has “AT&T SKU” written on its ID label.

Need more proof? No you don’t. If our earlier sources were correct, we’ll see AT&T start selling this baby on November 30th. Pricing is unknown at the moment, though.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

An unknown Motorola (NYSE: MOT) device has cleared the FCC and we think it’s the upcoming Android-powered Motorola Morrison. Why we think so – well, there’s WiFi on board, proper 3G bands to sing along T-Mobile (NYSE: DT)’s network, and the fact that the official Morrison announcement is set for September 10th, which is 10 days from now.

To be fair, we’re only speculating at this stage and can’t confirm much, but all signs point to this direction… Waiting and seeing is all we can do at this stage, and in the meantime if you want to learn more about the Moto Morrison, check out the leaked design sketches and rumored specs…

[Via: phandroid]

The FCC has opened in inquiry into the state of competition in the US wireless market. Following on the FCC’s investigation into the iPhone Google Voice fiasco, the new FCC, headed by recently-seated chairman Julius Genachowski, voted unanimously on Thursday to look into business practices among US wireless carriers. Under scrutiny are carriers’ roaming deals, handset exclusivity deals and spectrum auction rules. With the US wireless market controlled in large part by the Big Four (Verizon (NYSE: VZ), AT&T (NYSE: T), Sprint (NYSE: S), T-Mobile (NYSE: DT)), the FCC wants to protect consumers by ensuring healthy competition.

“It is essential that the Commission develop policies that encourage a new generation of innovators, working with new tools, on new platforms, and having an extraordinary impact on our economy and society,” said FCC chairman Julius Genachowski.

This is what the FCC has to say on the matter:

“The Commission seeks comment on whether there are opportunities to protect and empower American consumers by ensuring sufficient access to relevant information about communications services.”

“We are now in the midst of a transition from reliance on mobile voice services to increasing use of and reliance on mobile broadband services, which promise to connect American citizens in new and profound ways. A robustly competitive mobile wireless market will be essential to realizing the full benefits to American consumers and channeling investment into vitally important national infrastructure. The FCC is seeking to ensure that competition in the mobile wireless market continues to bring substantial benefits to American consumers.”

But, don’t think that just because the FCC has opened an inquiry into the matter that we’ll be seeing an official investigation or new legislation. Inquiries are only used to gather facts on an issue of interest. On the other hand, if the FCC finds that wireless carriers aren’t living up to free market expectations for competition, new bills might be put before Congress. That would likely bode well for the consumer.

Congress has been debating issues like text messaging prices and mobile phone exclusivity agreements between handset makers and carriers (like AT&T and Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)). It’s clear that our politicians are looking to give the wireless industry a makeover, and an FCC-backed bill would likely go a long way in Congress.

Or, as Ubergizmo’s Hubert so concisely put it, this FCC inquiry “will most likely lead to nothing.”

[FCC via: Ubergizmo]