Ars Technica
New York starts enforcing $15 broadband law that internet service providers tried to kill
The New York law requiring Internet providers to offer cheap plans to people with low incomes will take effect on January 15 following a multi-year court battle in which the state defeated broadband industry lobby groups. A US appeals court upheld the law in April 2024, reversing the ruling of a district judge who blocked it in 2021.
How the UK was connected to the Internet for the first time (Ars Technica)
Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Thu, 01/09/2025 - 15:48Trump FCC chair wants to revoke broadcast licenses—the 1st Amendment might stop him
President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, wants the FCC to crack down on news broadcasters that he perceives as being unfair to Trump or Republicans in general. Carr's stated goals would appear to mark a major shift in the FCC's approach to broadcasters.
Cable internet service providers compare data caps to food menus: Don’t make us offer unlimited soup
Cable broadband companies continue to insist that data caps are good for people with low incomes, pushing back against comments filed by consumer advocacy groups. NCTA—The Internet & Television Association urged the Federal Communications Commission to avoid regulating the monthly data limits and overage charges that cable firms such as Comcast and Cox impose on many Internet plans.
New website shows you how much Google AI can learn from your photos (Ars Technica)
Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 12:34ISPs say their “excellent customer service” is why users don’t switch providers
Lobby groups for Internet service providers claim that ISPs' customer service is so good already that the government shouldn't consider any new regulations to mandate improvements. They also claim ISPs face so much competition that market forces require providers to treat their customers well or lose them to competitors.
Supreme Court wants US input on whether ISPs should be liable for users’ piracy
The Supreme Court signaled it may take up a case that could determine whether Internet service providers must terminate users who are accused of copyright infringement. In an order, the court invited the Department of Justice's solicitor general to file a brief "expressing the views of the United States." In Sony Music Entertainment v.
A year after ditching waitlist, Starlink says it is “sold out” in parts of US
The Starlink waitlist is back in certain parts of the US, including several large cities on the West Coast and in Texas. The Starlink availability map says the service is sold out in and around Seattle and Spokane, Washington; Portland, Oregon; San Diego; Sacramento, California; and Austin, Texas. Neighboring cities and towns are included in the sold-out zones.