Headlines

In Google's plan, cell phone users would enjoy greater freedom from carriers' rules, without the hassle of termination fees, phone number transfers, or new-handset purchases. The system would require end-users to have mobile devices that can operate on different types of networks, including Wi-Fi and the various incompatible cellular technologies, as well as multiple operator networks.

The economic crisis and John McCain's surprising response have drawn attention away from Gov Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) just as she has started to answer more pointed questions from the media.

With Congress due to adjourn Friday, lawmakers worked late Thursday evening to resolve a couple of high profile digital-entertainment issues. A "Webcasting" bill was introduced in Congress on Thursday that would allow SoundExchange, the body that collects royalties on behalf of the music industry, to reach a settlement on royalty rates with the Digital Media Association (DiMA) after Congress adjourns.

The launch of MySpace Music ran into controversy on Thursday after the leading independent music trade body complained that its small music label members had been shut out and treated like second class citizens.

The US economic downturn has had a severe effect on broadcaster NBC's local television stations but the company has not yet seen an advertising slowdown at a national level, Jeff Zucker said.

On Thursday, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing to examine broadband provider practices with respect to consumer privacy. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Ranking Member on the Committee, called for increased transparency and disclosure for online advertising.

In a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin, House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) and Telecommunications & Internet Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) said they and 10 other House members were asking the FCC to: 1) Establish a public/private/nonprofit-sector information campaign that focuses on the need for new antennas or adjustments to existing antennas to receive digital-TV broadcast signals; 2) Encourage Americans to act now to buy and install a DTV converter box, test the reception and then take action to resolve any problems as soon as possible; 3) Update information on the FCC's Web site and other related government DTV Web sites to include in an obvious, accessible location a clear explanation of antenna matters; and 4) Expand the FCC's call center, especially in the weeks immediately preceding the transition, to address questions concerning antenna matters.

The Federal Communications Commission approved a new framework for the creation of a nationwide emergency communications network Thursday amid concerns that the ongoing economic crisis may make it difficult to attract investors.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin said Thursday that he wants to give class-A low-power-TV stations a chance to gain full-power status and all of the rights and responsibilities that entails.