911 May Soon Accept Text Messages


Updated 11/27/10 4:29 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

Next Generation 911 Accepts Text Messages

Text messaging is a fast and effective way to communicate, so why can't you text the police? Soon, you may be able to. While the current emergency system isn't equipped to handle 911 texts — only voice calls — the FCC presented new rules for a revamped 911 system (called "Next Generation 911") that would be capable of accepting text messages, photos, and video messages. Learn more about the Read more

FCC Grants Use of Unlicensed Airwaves: What It Means For You


Updated 09/24/10 1:50 AM · Posted by GeekSugar · 0 comments

FCC Approves Broadcast White Space

This week, the FCC approved the use of unlicensed airwaves or "white space" in hopes of creating newer, faster Internet connections. These previously unused spaces are now a new market for high-speed Internet connections. The order was approved unanimously by a five-person board; Microsoft and Google (among others) had been vocal in their support of the measure. The actual "white spaces" are Read more

Should Phone Companies Be Required to Notify You For Unusually High Charges?


Updated 05/14/10 3:42 PM · Posted by GeekSugar · 8 comments

Should Your Phone Company Notify You If Your Bill Is Going To Be High?

We've all heard the stories of bill shock when it comes to an unexpectedly huge phone bill — people who have traveled out of the country without a roaming plan, or those who unknowingly dropped a data plan, only to be slammed with a bill in the hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Yesterday, the FCC announced it was seeking public opinion over whether or not customers should be notified if Read more

What Is Net Neutrality, Anyway?


Updated 04/06/10 5:49 PM · Posted by GeekSugar · 1 comment

What Is Net Neutrality?

In a decision announced earlier today, a Federal Court of Appeals says the FCC cannot require net neutrality. The decision referred specifically to a case against cable provider Comcast, who was accused of slowing down access to certain sites. In 2008, the FCC issued "net neutrality" rules, meaning all Internet content must be treated equally by network providers. Now, this ruling against Read more

Is the iPad Launch Delayed Already?


Updated 03/03/10 1:57 PM · Posted by GeekSugar · 4 comments

Is the iPad's Launch Already Delayed?

According to an Associated Press report, the launch of Apple's anticipated iPad may be delayed until April. The report cites a technology analyst's note of an "unspecified production problem" affecting Apple's Taiwan-based supplier. Here's more: The report says that Apple will "likely limit the launch region to the U.S. and the number of units available to roughly 300,000 in the month of March, Read more

The FCC Asks Questions About Google Voice


Updated 10/12/09 5:50 AM · Posted by GeekSugar · 0 comments

Is Google Voice a Phone Company?

Google Voice, the Internet voice application that functions similarly to a phone, blurs the line between the two forms of communication. Is it the same as phone service? Google says no, but a claim from telephone provider AT&T says it is. Now the Federal Communications Commission is on the case. Last week, the FCC sent a letter to Google, asking them to explain how Google Voice works. The Read more

Are You Excited About the Android Phone?


Updated 08/22/08 6:40 AM · Posted by GeekSugar · 12 comments

The FCC Approves HTC's Dream Phone, The First to Run Google's Android Platform

Finally! So, it looks like HTC's Dream — aka the first cell phone to use Google's awesome-looking Android platform — is going to become a reality: the FCC has approved it! The promises of Android are tempting enough to make me consider giving up my iPhone (well, add it to my cell phone collection maybe) — the shortlist of features includes WiFi, 3G, and Bluetooth — and check out this Read more

Do You Think Product Integration Should Stop Trying to Be So Sneaky?


Posted by BuzzSugar · 16 comments

Do You Think Product Integration Should Stop Trying to Be So Sneaky?

The Writers Guild of America is sick of having to write storylines in TV shows solely to feature a product or brand, so much so that the group is bringing the issue to the FCC. The WGA is hoping to make it so that any kind of advertisement is blatantly disclosed, and writers don't have to sneakily work products into a plotline where they maybe don't make sense. geeksugar has questioned the Read more

No Cell Phones On Planes, FCC Says


Updated 06/21/07 10:37 AM · Posted by GeekSugar · 5 comments

No Cell Phones On Planes, FCC Says

Despite recent talk about the future of cell phones on planes, the FCC has decided to keep a rule in place that requires cell phones to be turned off during airline flights. According to the AP, the reasoning behind the decision was technical. "These days it's impossible to get on a bus without at least one person hollering into their cellphone, invading the private space of everyone around Read more

Colbert's Solution to the Cell Phone Radiation Problem: Burritos


Updated 06/08/11 10:40 PM · Posted by GeekSugar · 2 comments

Stephen Colbert Cell Phone Radiation Video

Leave it to Stephen Colbert to discover the most resourceful solution for blocking the low-grade radiation emitted from cell phones — soak up the harmful waves with frozen food. The FCC's cell phone guidelines recommend keeping the device 15 mm away from the body, which is conveniently the width of a frozen burrito! Watch Stephen "cook" lunch while catching up with his grandma below. The Read more