Free Broadband isn’t free
And when it’s provided by cities it’s a huge mistake. Read my column here.
Terri Schiavo and our growing culture of death
It is shocking and disturbing to me that so many people support ending Terri Schiavo’s life. We have no proof that, as her husband claims, she would want to die. Since we don’t have any proof, the default should be
You’re electric, baby!
Imagine if your body could be the backbone of a broadband personal data network linking your mobile phone or MP3 player to a cordless headset… Well, according to this article by the guardian, this type of network is just around
No more state-regulated naked DSL?
According to a News.com piece, the FCC may “suspend public utility commission regulations in California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Louisiana that forced BellSouth to sell DSL, or digital subscriber line, service separate from its local phone service. In the past,
San Francisco’s Board of Luddites
More than 70 biotech companies have spun off from laboratory work at the University of California, San Francisco, but not a single industry firm calls San Francisco home. Why? Because the city’s taxes and official attitude are menacing. Last year,
Obesity Matters
Earlier this month, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his intentions to support a bill outlawing the sale of junk food in schools. Science shows the governor is right to worry about an obesity crisis, but banning candy in schools is
Craig’s list still rocks
Today, I posted my old mountain bike on Craig’s list at 2pm. By 3pm I had cash in hand and the bike out of my house. Gotta love it. Thanks, Craig.
Consumer groups that hurt consumers
They are out there and most of us don’t know about them because they operate within the shadowy confines of government rules and regulations. A prime example of one of these faux consumer groups is TURN — The Utility Reform
National ID debate
Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the REAL ID Act of 2005. Privacy advocates decry the act as move towards a national identification card while others back it as a key national security measure. Both sides miss important
I’m VoIPed
Well, I finally cut the last cord to a regular phone line. I installed a Vonage VoIP system in my home last night, and despite the somewhat unfriendly Linksys directions (not really made for someone with a wireless network), it’s
The Future of Communications
I was the keynote speaker for the California Telephone Association’s (CTA) annual conference this year. CTA’s members are mostly small phone companies from around the state. It was interesting to listen to their thoughts about how their small businesses might
RFID rights and wrongs
RFID was a big topic of discussion this week at the RSA conference. The chips can be used to track almost anything from inventory to humans. Indeed, I met Joseph Krull, who has a Verichip implanted in his arm. He
Crossed Lines in California
Today, PRI released a new telecom study called “Crossed Lines: Regulatory Missteps in California Telecom Policy.” It explains how regulatory policies in the telecom sector are outdated and impose heavy economic and social costs on consumers. It also offers guidance
PUC did right thing on bill of rights
Recently the California Public Utilities Commission delayed the so-called “consumer bill of rights,” a courageous move that will benefit all Californians if the decision is made permanent. That’s right, a bunch of regulators actually said that the telecommunications industry did
NHL cancels season
The Stanley Cup will not be awarded for the first time since 1919. A sad situation for everyone: the players, fans, and others whose employment depends on the game.
Verizon-MCI deal good for consumers
If you live in the Bay Area, you can watch me on the 10pm news tonight (KTVU) discussing the Verizon purchase of MCI. If you won’t be home, the summary version is that the deal is good for consumers, good
Broad thinking on broadband
The California PUC recently released a report on broadband deployment in California. It’s worth the read, but if you want a summary and analysis, see my column here.
Information Wants To Be Free
This year will see many important battles in the communications industry, one of which is currently playing out in the Virginia state legislature. On one side are cable companies and on the other telecommunications firms, but both sides should realize
NHL news not good
If you’re a hockey fan, the news last Friday wasn’t good. Already 775 of the season’s 1230 games have been cancelled and there’s still no end in sight. Maybe it’s time to switch to basketball — a game invented by
Pedometer Mania
The newest geek trend is to attach a pedometer to oneself to see how many steps are taken in a day. I put mine on this morning, went to Starbucks and the bank, and now I’m up to 2046 steps.