Government

LightSquared's options to save its network are limited

IDGNS staff — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:33:18 +0000

Though would-be mobile carrier LightSquared says it still wants to find a solution to interference with GPS, its options are limited, industry observers said on Wednesday.

LightSquared vows to keep seeking a GPS solution

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:09:49 +0000

LightSquared said Wednesday it still wants to find a solution to the GPS interference issue that has probably already doomed the fledgling carrier's plans for a nationwide mobile broadband network.

FCC cracks down on telemarketing robocalls

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:43:59 +0000

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved new rules requiring telemarketers that use autodialed or prerecorded telephone calls to sell products to get written approval from customers before sending them the robocalls.

Cisco to appeal Microsoft-Skype deal in European court

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:27:19 +0000

Cisco will appeal the European Commission's approval of Microsoft's US$8.5 billion Skype acquisition, saying the agency should demand that the companies support standards for interoperability with other collaboration platforms.

Telenor seeks compensation from Indian partner for loss of 2G licenses

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:17:24 +0000

Norwegian mobile operator Telenor said Wednesday that it has issued a notice to its Indian joint venture partner seeking indemnity and compensation after the cancellation earlier this month of its 22 2G licenses by India's Supreme Court.

EU IT companies to get guidance on human rights issues

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:14:51 +0000

European surveillance technologies and mobile phone filtering companies could find themselves in hot water if they fail to respect human rights. Meanwhile two Irish companies have been reported as selling tech to the Syrian regime that is being used to thwart civil rights protesters.

SEC denies carrier attempts to block shareholder net neutrality votes

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:50:35 +0000

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has rejected attempts by three telecom companies to block shareholder votes on whether they should commit to net neutrality principles.

Dutch propose expanding Fair Use copyright laws

James Gaskin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:59:43 +0000

The Netherlands has proposed changing copyright laws so remixes and mashups are protected.

Ordinary Chinese divided on iPad trademark dispute

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:11:18 +0000

Ordinary Chinese people are taking sides in the iPad trademark battle between Apple and local display vendor Proview, with some thinking the U.S. tech giant should simply change the name of its iconic tablet.

Apple's iPad 3 could face customs ban in China

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:42:19 +0000

Apple's much speculated iPad 3 has emerged as the latest target in an ongoing trademark dispute in China, after a little-known Chinese firm said on Wednesday it has filed for a customs ban with local authorities to stop the import and export of the tablet.

Senate bill may require 'critical' networks to adopt cyber standards

IDGNS staff — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:02:24 +0000

A bill in the U.S. Senate would require operators of so-called critical infrastructure networks to adopt cybersecurity practices if evaluations by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security find their security lacking.

FBI says social media monitoring won't infringe privacy rights

IDGNS staff — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:57:54 +0000

The FBI said its proposed plans to monitor social media sites to improve real-time situation awareness will be fully vetted by the agency's Privacy and Civil Liberties Unit.

Can scientists get elected today?

James Gaskin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:36:50 +0000

In Singapore, the new president with a Ph.D. In applied mathematics joined the Prime Minister who also has a mathematics degree. Could that happen here?

China may widen investigation of Apple iPad trademark dispute

IDGNS staff — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:47:33 +0000

More than 30 offices across China of a commerce regulatory body are investigating Apple's sales of the iPad in the country, according to the lawyer for the little-known Chinese company that has accused Apple of trademark infringement.

Massive Air Force ERP software project still struggling

abennett — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:28:53 +0000

Two completed pilots of the more-than-US$5 billion project are being scrapped.