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Telemarketing/Do Not Call



Do Not Call

North Carolina Asks Candidates to Respect 'Do Not Call' List
Congress Makes 'Do Not Call' List Permanent
FTC Vows Not To Purge Numbers from Do Not Call List
866 Calls Pushing Phony Health Insurance
FTC Sues Telemarketers for Do Not Call Violations
Telemarketers Must SendCaller ID Info
FCC Issues First Citation
AT&T Will Run DNC Database
AT&T Faces DNC Fine
DNC Registry Opens
Scam Artists Flock to DNC
Bush Signs DNC Bill

To put it mildly, Americans are mad as hell and they don't plan to take it anymore. After years of torporous inaction by the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission in 2003 created a Do-Not-Call registry where citizens can register their desire to be left alone.

The registry went into operation in June and by November, not only had 54 million Americans signed up for it, 56,000 of them had already filed complaints about companies calling them after the cut-off date.

Where to register: www.donotcall.gov. You can sign up online. There is no charge of any kind. Note that when signing up, you will have to respond to an email message confirming your wish to be on the list. Some spam filters may interfere with this process.

Telemarketing is indeed a scourge in need of eradication. Besides being incredibly annoying, telemarketing calls are often the path by which consumers are talked into goods and services they don't need, can't afford and don't want.

Complaints

  • AT&T
  • CMS/Consolidated Media Services
  • Democratic Party
  • Direct Merchants Bank
  • Direct One Communications
  • Fast White
  • First Choice Telemarketing
  • Industrial Chem Labs
  • National Consumer Council
  • Publishers Business Service
  • Sprint PCS Telemarketing
  • Sears Telemarketers
  • Telecom News

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    Google Petitions FCC Over Verizon's Use of Wireless Spectrum Search giant wants telecom to commit to truly 'open' network.

    FCC Loosens Digital TV Rules for Retailers, Manufacturers 'Not enough time' to meet previous rules, industry lobbyists claimed.

    Consumers Having Problems with Digital TV Converter Coupons Latest snag in government's attempt to move TV broadcasters to new frequency band.

    Senate Committee Debates Future of the Internet FCC chairman, net neutrality supporters square off.

    Debt Collectors Go After Expired Verizon Bills Consumers told refusing to pay will hurt their credit rating.

    House Committee Grills FCC Over Wireless Auction Failure to sell spectrum for public safety network criticized.

    Craiglist Bites Back, Answers Connecticut AG Blumenthal has his facts wrong, craigslist argues. 'Freedom trumps prudence,' an online publisher argues.

    Millions May Lose TV Service After Digital Switchover New York, Los Angeles, other major urban areas at risk.

    Is Texting Replacing Talking? Survey finds rapid growth in cell phone text-messaging.

    FCC's Martin: No Opening Of Wireless Networks Dismisses Skype's challenge to enable all devices.

    Researcher: Cell Phones 'More Dangerous Than Smoking' Millions of deaths could result over the long term.

    Connecticut Wants Craiglist to Pull Prostitution Ads Popular site violates its own rules against promotion illegal activity, state alleges.

    States Raise Questions about XM-Sirius Merger Attorneys General say merger will create monopoly.

    Comcast Agrees To Stop Blocking Internet Users Will work with file-sharing companies and change network structure.

    XM-Sirius Merger Gets Antitrust OK Justice Department signs off on merger; FCC action still pending.

    FCC Releases Broadband Report, Admits Data is Faulty But agency proclaims U.S. broadband competition is healthy.

    Verizon Wins Wireless Spectrum Auction Company forced to open network to all devices.

    Feds End Exclusive Telecom Deals in Apartment Buildings Landlords must open buildings to all providers.

    Craiglist Cleared in Biased-Postings Suit Latest in a series of rulings protecting free speech on the Web.

    Feds Settle with BSG/ZPDI/Billing Concepts FTC trying to rein in massive 'cramming' operations.

    Report: FCC Failing To Resolve Consumer Complaints Agency spars with investigators over allegations of poor follow-through.

    Look Out for Prison Phone Scam Inmates use idle time to dial for dollars.

    Net Neutrality Supporters TestifyHouse Committee hears testimony on Internet access.

    Drivers Impaired Just by Listening to Cell Phone Listening drivers make mistakes similar to drunken drivers.

    Cell Phones May Provide False Sense Of Security Study finds cell-carrying students take more chances.

    AT&T Agrees to Refund Some Ringtone Charges Company pledges to police Internet advertising more closely.

    North Carolina Asks Candidates to Respect 'Do Not Call' List Congress exempted politicians and charities from the law.

    Comcast Blocks Public From FCC Hearing Cable company pays thugs to keep public out of public hearing.

    Study Suggests Cell Phone-Salivary Gland Cancer Link First study to look at long-term cell phone users.

    Verizon Rolls Out Unlimited Calling Can wireless providers hear their customers now?

    States Asked to Probe AT&T U-Verse Explosions Equipment cabinets a threat to life and property, real estate brokers claim.

    Congress Gets Net Neutrality Legislation Bill would bar ISPs from blocking or delaying content.

    Starbucks Serves Up Free Wi-Fi Coffee shops switch from T-Mobile to AT&T.

    Congressman Gambles on the Internet Regulating online gambling could generate billions in taxes, fees.

    Congress Makes 'Do Not Call' List Permanent New bill prohibits removal from registry.

    FCC Finds Plenty of Wireless Competition Wireless services available to 99% of Americans, agency claims.

    Judge Extends Microsoft Anti-Trust Oversight Judge rules as CEO Ballmer pursues Yahoo! takeover.

    Bush Declares Broadband 'Connection Accomplished' New report touts accomplishments for Internet connections in US.

    Court Throws Out T-Mobile's Forced Arbitration Clause Wireless provider tried to block a class action lawsuit.

    FCC Not Ready to Pry Open Wireless Networks But agency warns carriers its plans could change.

    Keeping Teens Safe Online Navigating the treacherous streets of MySpace.

    Time Warner To Test Metered Pricing For Broadband Leaked memo reveals testing of new price scheme in Texas town.

    MySpace Agrees To Toughen Security For Young Users Abuse-reporting to be made easier; age verification tools studied.

    MySpace Harassment Case Takes Odd Turn Localities looking at 'cyber-harassment' laws.

    House Committee To Probe FCC FCC instructed to retain e-mail records for use by investigators.

    FCC To Investigate Comcast For Blocking Net Traffic Decision could shape future of net neutrality legislation.

    PeoplePC Settles Deceptive Marketing Case Earthlink subsidiary will refund hidden charges.

    Driving While Phoning Gums Up Traffic, Study Finds Distracted drivers slower to react.

    FCC Votes To Relax Media Ownership Rules Congressional opposition likely; White House supports measure.

    Video Professor Drops Subpoena, Goes After Wikipedia Users Comcast protects its customers, Wikipedia surrenders.

    Phone Pretexters Get Off Cheap FTC settles with company that sold consumer calling records.

    Sprint Removes Three Fees, Adds Two New Ones Company claims new charges will "defray costs."

    Court Ruling Protects Anonymous Bloggers Texas appeals court upholds rights of Internet bloggers.

    Losing Your Cell Phone Could Cost More Than You Think Consumers should treat phones like credit cards.

    AT&T Exits Pay Phone Business Clark Kent will have to change somewhere else.

    Google Will Bid In Wireless Spectrum Auction Tech giant will "put our money where our principles are," CEO says.

    Verizon Wireless Opens Network to All Devices, Software The 'walled garden' will be no more.

    Consumer Groups, Investors Oppose XM-Sirius Merger Objections raised to lack of competition.

    Comcast Sued Over Internet Blocking Lawsuit alleges deceptive marketing and misleading of customers.

    FCC Chief Seeks New Restrictions On Cable TV Stepped-up regulation comes as telecoms turn up the heat on cable.

    Senate, FCC Chairman Spar Over Media Consolidation Land-grab attitude permeates Washington as elections loom.

    Texas Sues Yellow Pages Directories Charges Ad Telamerica defrauds small businesses, charities nationwide.

    Sprint, T-Mobile Prorate Termination Fees Last of four major carriers to adopt customer-friendly policies.

    Verizon Overrides Internet Searches With Its Own Results Web search "tinkering" raises net neutrality concerns.

    FCC Set to Outlaw Exclusive Cable Deals Telecoms win; landlords, cable companies lose.

    Sprint Settles Lawsuit, Will Unlock California Phones Customers will be able to use their phones with other carriers.

    AT&T Charging Fire Victims For Toasted Satellite Dish San Diego couple didn't grab their dish as they evacuated.

    Verizon Agrees to Stop 'Unlimited' Claims Settlement with New York applies to wireless broadband customers nationwide.

    FTC Vows Not To Purge Numbers from Do Not Call List Agency backtracks, says consumers won't need to reregister.

    Comcast Blocks Subscribers From Some Services Illustrates need for 'net neutrality' legislation, activists allege.

    States Keep the Heat on Facebook, MySpace Attorneys general demand stricter measures to protect children; feds silent.

    AT&T Changes Contract Policy Will lower termination fees, stop requiring contract renewal to change plans.

    Verizon Gave Customer Data To Government Without Court Orders AT&T, Qwest mum on their actions.

    Group Hits Apple Over 'Toxic' iPhone Phones said to contain substance banned in California's 'Toxic Toys Bill'.

    Prepaid Wireless Plans Can Save Time & Money But read the fine print and be sure you know what you're buying.

    Verizon Wireless Changes Data Policy Will provide calling data to affiliates unless customers opt out.

    Indiana Sues Buzz Telecom For Slamming Company accused of billing customers without their consent.

    California Supreme Court OKs T-Mobile Class Action Another chink in the Early Termination Fee armor.

    AT&T Changes Terms Of Service After Outcry Company adds 'freedom of expression' language.

    AT&T Agrees to New Stolen Cell Phone Rules Other states, companies may adopt California pact.

    Texas Rounds Up 14 Sex Offenders on MySpace Convicted offenders illegally created profiles on social networking site.

    Google Challenges Verizon Over Lobbying Of FCC Rollback of 'open access' requirements faulted.

    Verizon Wireless Changes Contract Policy Congress, FCC mulling new rules that would limit early termination fees.

    AT&T Stiffens Language Covering Objectionable Content Users complain but company says language is neither new nor unique.

    Minnesota Sues Sprint Nextel for 'Tricking' Customers Company extended contracts without permission, state charges.

    Sen. Kerry Wants New Broadband Policy U.S. falls further behind global competitors, he argues.

    Verizon's Abortion Block Raises Net Neutrality Concerns Telecom reverses course, blames "incorrect interpretation" of its policies.

    Wisconsin Seeks To Block Satellite Radio Merger The deal would stifle innovation, raise prices, state argues.

    Study Finds Little Short-Term Cell Phone Health Risk More research needed to measure long-term effects, however.

    Verizon Wireless Challenges Spectrum Auction Rules Telecom giant opposes "open access" conditions supported by Google.

    FCC, Congress May Limit Cable, Cell Phone Termination Fees Rising tide of consumer discontent rocks industry's boat.

    XM/Sirius Merger Gets a Boost Former FCC chair says merger would spark competition.

    Apple Cuts Price of Most Expensive iPhone Also introduces new, lower-priced iPod 'Classic'.

    AT&T Adds Parental Controls To Mobile Phones Parents can limit minutes, block calls to objectionable numbers.

    AT&T Slammed Over Rebate Policies Consumers looking for rebate get a debit card instead.

    Escape from Cell Phone Purgatory How to get out of your cell phone contract without paying a termination fee.

    Webcasters, Music Industry Reach Accord On Royalties Agreement averts a shutdown of smaller Web broadcasters.

    Comcast Cuts Off Heavy Internet Users Customers complain bandwidth limits are secret.

    Appeals Court Shreds AT&T Arbitration Clause Finds cell phone contracts that deny consumers the right to sue "unconscionable".

    Nokia Joins Battery Recall Cell phone batteries can overheat and catch fire.

    Small Businesses Targeted by Yellow Pages Scams Whose fingers are doing the walking?

    FCC Passes Compromise Rules For Wireless Spectrum Auction Google had pressed for an "open" system that gave consumers maximum choice; AT&T objected.

    The 411 on Free 411 Information calls don't have to be expensive.

    MySpace Deletes More Sex Offenders Rupert Murdoch's finds 29,000 more potential predators.

    Court OKs Rebate Lawsuit against Cingular/AT&T Company advertises "rebate" but sends "reward card."

    Karmazin "Clarifies" XM-Sirius Merger Plans More room for family friendly and religious programming, he claims.

    Security Flaw Found In iPhone Hackers can take control of the phone and get access to personal information.

    Google, AT&T Square Off Over Wireless Broadband Google wants "open" system that encourages innovation, competition.

    Senate Wants Better Data On Broadband Deployment Lobbyists fudging the numbers, some activists claim.

    SunRocket Fizzles Second-largest standalone Internet telephone provider abruptly closes its doors.

    Last Minute Stay Of Execution For Web Radio Retroactive royalty increases on hold for now.

    Congress Slams AT&T Over iPhone Contract, Fees Subscribers pay high price for phone, then face stiff termination fees.

    Verizon Signs Florida Anti-Cramming Agreement AT&T, Embarq earlier agreed to similar terms.

    Apple Denies iPhone Nano Reports Reports from Asia indicate cheaper iPhone may be in the works.

    AOL Pays $3 Million, Promises to Clean Up Cancellation Process AOL also agrees to straighten out its billing practices for add-on accounts.

    Sprint: Don't Call Us, We'll Call You Sprint cuts off service to customers who call customer service too often.

    New Jersey Targets Sex Offenders With MySpace Profiles More than half were on probation and can be hit with tougher penalties.

    iPhone Snags Reported Some customers encounter activation problems.

    FTC Nixes Net Neutrality Consumers should trust the marketplace, regulators purr.

    NY Consumer Group Disputes Frontier Calling Plan Ad Company advertises "nationwide" phone package for $29.99 when the monthly cost is really $39.99.

    Apple Readies iPhone For Release Expensive, unproven gadget relies on sleek styling, fervent fans.

    Embarq Agreement Protects Florida Consumers from Cramming Local telephone company agrees to crack down on crammers.

    FTC Sues Company for Financing NorVergence Scheme Suit follows similar action by Texas earlier this week.

    Texas Sues NorVergence Debt Collector Company tries to collect debts for bankrupt telecommunications swindler, state charges.

    Wireless Spectrum May Hold Key To Net Neutrality Transition to digital television opens up space that could support wireless broadband.

    FCC Wants Enhanced 911 Service For Cell Phone, VoIP Users Industry opposes plan, which would make it easier for first responders to find consumers in trouble.

    Supreme Court Limits Anti-Trust Suits Big phone companies win again.

    MySpace Deletes Thousands Of Sex Offenders Action follows pressure by state attorneys general.

    That Cingular Feeling Spurned by Cingular, consumer creates a music video to air his grievance.

    Cell Phone Blather Lessens For the first time, monthly cell phone calls decrease, at least in the U.K.

    FCC Report Recommends More Cable Choices Eliminating "bundling" would reduce costs and increase choice, report finds.

    Feds Slam InPhonic/WireFly, Soyo for Deceptive Rebate Practices Companies ordered to reimburse consumers for overdue rebates.

    Net Neutrality Coalition Marks a Milestone Public awareness, pressure on Congress has kept more draconian measures at bay.

    Scientist Worries WiFi May Harm Children Wireless Internet becoming more widespread than cell phones, heightening the risk, prominent Brit argues.

    Appeals Court Gives Vonage a Reprieve Internet telephone company can keep signing new customers while its appeal is pending.

    Survey: T-Mobile Tops in Customer Satisfaction It's the fifth straight top J.D. Power ranking for T-Mobile.

    FCC Takes a Closer Look at Broadband Deployment New inquiry looks at whether broadband is adequately deployed in rural areas.

    Web Broadcasters Lose Music License Appeal Internet music stations say the ruling will put them out of business.

    Cell Phones Linked to Bee Decline British study links rapid shrinking of honey bee population to cell phones.

    Telcos Lift Block On FreeConference.Com Oft-convicted AT&T labels free-conference-call service a "scam."

    Vonage CEO Exits as Company Struggles to Survive Verizon's court victory puts Vonage on the ropes.

    Senate Bill Aims at Web Porn Sites Senators admit the bill's shortcomings but say it's a start.

    Groups Urge FCC To Create Wireless Broadband Competition Upcoming spectrum auction creates opportunity for FCC to push the telecom companies away from the trough.

    Vonage Gets a Reprieve but its Future is Murky Appeals court stays earlier decision ordering the company to stop signing new customers.

    Judge Orders Vonage to Stop Signing New Customers Decision in Verizon patent case is a major blow to Internet phone company.

    Georgia Suspends Buzz Telecom's Operating Certificate Indiana attorney general investigating the company as consumer complaints pour in.

    Major League Baseball, Cable Operators Reach Agreement Last-minute deal makes out-of-market games available to major cable systems.

    FCC Says No To Airborne Cell Phone Use At least for now, agency won't lift ban on cells aloft.

    Microsoft Issues Patch To Plug Seven New Windows Holes "Critical" update needed to close animated cursor vulnerability.

    FCC Strengthens Rules For Phone Privacy New rules intended to curb "pretexting."

    Free No More: Conversion to Digital TV Carries a Price Tag DTV Day is coming and millions of existing sets will be obsolete.

    Is Cell Phone Insurance Worthwhile? Many consumers find out it's not what they expected.

    Batteries Could Run on Sugar New technology could cut risk of laptop, cell phone fires.

    Class Action Charges Vonage Deceived Consumers Company's "Money-Back Guarantee" and "30-Day Free Trial" advertising claims disputed.

    FCC Takes Another Look at Net Neutrality Under fire from consumers, agency opens inquiry into Internet access.

    Identity Theft Supports a Vast Underground Economy Study finds cybercriminals taking a much more professional approach to their "business."

    Therapist Sees Signs Of "Technology Overload" Time with "real" people is essential, Menninger Clinic therapist cautions.

    Florida Company Agrees to Repay 'Cramming' Charges Consumers didn't know they had "bought" anything, state alleged.

    AT&T Blocks Calls To Competing Conference Call Service Giant telecoms, with friends in high places, use their power to block competing services from their networks.

    TracFone Pays $50,000 for Violating Missouri's Do Not Call Law Company called consumers on the Do Not Call list, left recorded messages.

    MacBook Battery Suspected in Australian Fire Latest incident involving lithium ion batteries widely used in cell phones and laptops.

    FCC Chair Grilled By Congress Over Favorable Treatment of AT&T, Verizon Republican-led commission gets a rocky reception in the Democratic-led Congress.

    Couple Sentenced In Cell Phone Charity Scam Donated phones were supposedly used to help elderly, disabled and battered women.

    Mayo Clinic Finds Cell Phones Safe in Hospitals Study finds no interference to medical equipment from cell phone use.

    House Tries Once More to Pass Pretexting Bill Measure would make it illegal to get consumers' private phone records through fraud.

    Study: Ending Net Neutrality Would Hurt Consumers Telephone and cable providers would be the big winners.

    FCC Rolls Out New Rules On Video Franchising Verizon, AT&T get fast track around franchise rules that bind cable companies.

    Feds Consider New Lithium Battery Restrictions on Airplanes Recent fires aboard airliners may mean new rules for transporting laptops, cell phones, etc.

    The End Of Internet Radio As We Know It Ruling by federal copyright board may mean the end of most music radio on the Internet.

    Spam E-mail Increases Worldwide Russia, China, U.S. are major sources of spam.

    Power Failures & Cell Phones How to keep your phone going when the power goes out? David Wood has the answer.

    InPhonic Settles With D.C. Wireless phone dealer to pay unspecified restitution to consumers.

    XM, Sirius Agree to Merge Satellite radio competition goes from slim to none.

    FCC, FTC Challenged To Protect Net Neutrality Consumer groups, Congressional Democrats turning up the heat on neutrality, telecom issues.

    Texas Sues Sprint Nextel Charges company is using deceptive billing practices.

    Samsung to Pay $90 Million in Price-Fixing Settlement Samsung agrees to provide evidence against other computer chip makers.

    Telemarketer Fined $1 Million The Broadcast Team violated Do Not Call rule millions of times, FTC charges.

    Wireless Users Frown on Automated Customer Care T-Mobile, Verizon, Alltel top J.D. Power's latest customer satisfaction study.

    Mistakes Abound on Telephone-Tax Refund Requests IRS offers tips for getting it right.

    Advertisers Fined for Deceptive Use of Adware Priceline, Cingular, Travelocity agree to clean up their act.

    Cell Phones Invade Qantas, Emirates Air No cell phones on U.S. airlines yet, but that could change.

    Verizon Wireless Raises Text Message Rate The ten-cent message is going the way of the 25-cent phone call.

    Illinois Sues Text-Message Spammers Federal lawsuit seeks nationwide injunction against time-share resellers accused of flooding cell phones with spam.

    One-Time IRS Credit for Telephone Tax Congress repealed telephone excise tax dating back to 1898.

    Origin of California Cell Phone Fire Disputed Investigators now say burned man's cell phone didn't ignite.

    British Study To Examine Cell Phone-Health Links Researchers will track health effects on up to 200,000 users over five years.

    Dial 9 For Scam Old scam makes a reappearance, tricking businesses into running up huge long-distance bills.

    Record Companies, Congress Take On Satellite Radio Big government and big industry team up to squash consumers.

    Look For Early iPhone Price Cuts Analysts say Apple leaves itself plenty of room to cut prices.

    Verizon Cuts Off Northern New England Sells its local telephone lines in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to FairPoint Communications.

    Cell Phone Ignites, California Man Severely Burned Victim was sleeping in a motel equipped with sprinklers, which may have saved his life.

    Zombie Computers Clog the Web with Spam Wonder where all that spam comes from? It may be coming from you.

    AT&T Trashes Cingular Brand Dilberts take the wheel, leave Cingular standing, desolate, at the side of Information Row.

    Apple iPhone Wows MacWorld Audience Apple's latest all-in-one gadget plays music, makes calls, checks email, surfs the Web.

    New Music/Video Players, Cell Phones Take the Stage If it moves, it must be a multimedia device.

    Net Neutrality Back on Congress' Agenda Senate Democrats re-introduce measure that would ensure equal Internet access.

    TV Goes Mobile With New Cell Phones Verizon rolls out new mobile TV service at electronics show.

    FCC Approves AT&T-BellSouth Merger Merger creates a telecom giant four times larger than its nearest rival, Verizon.

    AT&T Offers Net Neutrality Concessions To Win Merger Approval But is there more to AT&T's last-minute offer than meets the eye?

    FCC Plays Santa for AT&T, Verizon Feds throw out local rules for telephone companies wanting to invade cable TV markets.

    Consumers Sidelined as Broadband Battles Rage Telecom companies paint themselves as champions of competition, but the story's more complicated.

    YP Corp. Agrees to Pay Refunds Company tricked businesses, organizations into signing up for Internet ads.

    Lease Your Phone ... Lose Your Money Many consumers, especially seniors, wasting money to lease their telephone.

    DirecTV Settles Do Not Call Charges Telemarketers called consumers listed on the do-not-call registry.

    What's the Buzz About Buzz Telecom? Company is putting the squeeze on seniors, consumer advocates charge.

    AOL Settles Florida Fraud Charges Usual litany of consumer complaints -- double-billing, cancellation difficulties, disputed charges.

    Pretexting Bill: Pretense or Reality? GOP leaders want to leave their stamp on supposed privacy legislation.

    Hewlett-Packard Pays $14.5 Million to Settle Pretexting Suit Proceeds will fund new privacy protection efforts in California.

    Bogus Government Grant Tops Phone Scam List Online scams may be gaining but the telephone remains the con artist's best friend.

    Study Finds No Cell Phone-Cancer Link Latest study contradicts Swedish analysis that showed increased risk among long-time users.

    Cingular, Sprint Do Poorly in Latest Cell Service Ratings Magazine survey also finds numerous problems with 911 system.

    Wireless Broadband Still Expensive, Service Still Spotty In our tests, Sprint comes out on top while Cingular struggles to get into the race.

    The Cram Artists: How Congressionally-Sanctioned Crooks Scam Consumers We investigate Northwest Nevada Telcom, a small player in the big leagues of scamming.

    Copyright Office "Unlocks" Cell Phones Decision makes it easier for consumers to switch carriers, at least for now.

    Chicago Scammer Dupes Cell Phone Buyers But how did he get an 800 number listed in Nextel's name?

    New Cell Phones Target Seniors Big numbers, simple rate plans make cell phones more attractive to older consumers.

    New Congress Faces Technology, Privacy Issues Net neutrality, cramming, privacy, domestic surveillance issues await action.

    "Smishing" Emerging As New Threat To Cell Phone Users Phishing techniques moving to the cell phone networks.

    Dell Settles Class Action Over Financing Practices Consumers who took "90 days same as cash" deals found themselves socked with interest anyway.

    Sony Battery Recalls Continue Japanese giant recalls another 340,000 fire-prone laptop batteries.

    Study: Cell Phone Users Have Lower Sperm Counts As cell phone hours go up, sperm counts go down, Cleveland Clinic study finds.

    Consumers Revolt Against Hotel Surcharges Hotels losing revenue as more guests use cell phones.

    Microsoft Settles Wisconsin Class Action Suit alleges company gouged consumers for its software.

    FCC Delays Decision On AT&T/BellSouth Deal Democrats assert themselves, ask for a few days to consider biggest teleco merger ever.

    Justice Department Green Lights AT&T-BellSouth Merger Humpty-Dumpty nearly back together again.

    Google Buys YouTube -- And So? What's the deal mean to your average Web surfer?

    Congress Bans Internet Gaming ... Or Does It? GOP bill is full of holes, say Vegas oddsmakers.

    Schwarzenegger Terminates Spychip Bill Measure would have put limits on use of RFID chips.

    Alarm Companies Alarmed Over Cell Phone Transition Shift to new frequencies could render many home alarms inoperable, companies claim.

    Florida Sues Alltel Over "Free Trial" That Wasn't Company allegedly enrolled consumers in roadside assistance program without their consent.

    California Authorizes Statewide Cable TV Franchises Telecoms roll right over cities, consumers, cable providers.

    Florida Files "Cramming" Suit Unauthorized charges placed on consumers' phone bills, state alleges.

    HP Scandal Ignites New Pretexting Battle In Congress Sen. Ted Stevens inserts "poison pill" provision in bill criminalizing pretexting.

    Cavalier Telephone Buys Talk America Combined company will serve 550,000 customers.

    FCC Clears the Way for AT&T-BellSouth Merger FCC Chairman wants merger on the docket at next meeting.

    High-Speed Internet Overtakes Dial-Up in Market Share J.D. Power finds higher satisfaction levels with DSL than with cable modems.

    Net Neutrality Opponents Step Up PR Blitz Senate sings telcos' tune as days dwindle down.

    U.S. Still Lags In Broadband Access Telecom-cable stranglehold leaves U.S. stuck in 16th place worldwide.

    Studies Offer Conflicting Views About Data Breaches So, are data breaches dangerous or not? Depends who you ask.

    AT&T Trumpets New TV Service Critics suspect it's a net-neutrality killer.

    Murdoch Adds Jamster To Media Empire Mobile content service has come under fire for its billing practices.

    "Thin-Film" Batteries May Reduce Fire Danger Huge laptop recalls energize development of safer batteries.

    BellSouth Wants End To Oversight In North Carolina Company claims there is "vibrant competition" for local phone service.

    Device Finds Illegal Cellphones on Airplanes "CellScan" was originally developed for prisons.

    Verizon Joins BellSouth in Retreat From Unexplained New DSL Fee How do telco tubbies show their thanks for regulatory relief? With new "regulatory recovery fees," of course.

    AT&T Web Site Hacked; Customer Data Exposed Hackers broke into site used to sell DSL equipment, company reports.

    AntiSpyware Group Targets AOL Release As Dangerous Online titan's latest free software bundle is dangerous, StopBadware.org charges.

    AT&T Sues Calling Record Brokers Data brokers impersonated customers to get records, company charges.

    FCC Nudges BellSouth Into Giving Up New DSL Fees Verizon insists it has "new costs" it needs to recover.

    States Settle NorVergence Claims with 10th Leasing Company Company agrees to write off $15 million in debt.

    Virgin Mobile Tops Wireless Prepaid Satisfaction Study Verizon Wireless second in J.D. Power study.

    FTC Head Urges "Caution" On Net Neutrality Level playing field might impede competition, Platt claims.

    AOL Heads Roll Over Data Leak Chief technology officer, two others, fired after member search records revealed.

    Verizon Tacks On New DSL Fees "Standalone" DSL users hit with fee roughly equivalent to Universal Service Fund charge.

    Dish Network Subscribers Keep Their DVRs -- For Now But eventual outcome of TiVo patent suit is in doubt.

    Municipal Wi-Fi: The Internet's Next Step? Phone companies oppose cities' attempts to provide low-cost Internet access to all.

    Satellite TV Gains on Cable But cable-phone-Internet "bundles" also selling well.

    Cell Phone Consumers Win Court Victory Court upholds states' authority to regulate carriers.

    Bus Fires May Be Under-Reported Probe of bus fire that killed Hurricane Katrina evacuees indicates problem may be widespread.

    AOL Now Free ... Sort Of Paying customers finding it difficult to switch to new free service.

    AOL Takes More Hits In Press, On Internet Company inadvertently published data on Internet searches, continued billing dead subscribers.

    Net Neutrality May Derail Telecom Bill Grassroots opposition frightens Congress as elections approach.

    The Death of E-Mail? Consumers fed up with spam, scams and viruses turning to instant messaging, text messaging.

    Cell Phones Getting Too Complex? J.D. Power study finds customers seeking more support from their cell providers.

    Verizon Limits Its "Unlimited" Wireless Broadband Service Customers cut off with little notice and no appeal for exceeding limits on "unlimited" service.

    Judge Rules Against Government in NSA/AT&T Wiretapping Case Judge denied the government's motion to dismiss the case based on the "state secrets" privilege.

    Vonage Settles New Jersey Charges State accused Vonage of disregarding Do Not Call law and disregarding consumer protection statutes.

    Cable Companies Outscore Phone Companies in Customer Satisfaction Cox tops satisfaction rankings in three regions.

    Text Messaging Charges Surprise Cell Phone Users Parents often broadsided by unexpected charges many times higher than their basic bill.

    Lawsuit: Cingular Deceived & Overcharged AT&T Customers Merger was anything but "seamless," class action charges.

    Google: No Net Neutrality Means Antitrust Fight Company warns it will challenge any carrier that impedes access to its content.

    AOL's Problems Worsen as Consumer Complaints Mount "Retention consultants" still try to browbeat customers into withdrawing their cancellations.

    Verizon Wireless Cuts Early Termination Fee First major carrier to adopt policy of pro-rating cancellation fee.

    Study: Drivers Using Cell Phones As Bad As Drunks Researchers find using both handheld and hands-free cell phones as dangerous as driving drunk.

    Lone Senator Holds Out for Net Neutrality Oregon's Ron Wyden objects to telecom measure that deletes neutrality amendment.

    FTC Settles NorVergence Case Company defrauded small businesses, non-profits with promise of big savings on phone, Internet bills.

    AT&T Declares Consumers' Personal Data "Corporate Property" Company decrees that customers' calling records and Internet viewing records are its property.

    States Want Longer Data Retention by ISPs Internet sex crime prosecutions hampered by lack of data, attorneys general declare.

    Doctors Warn Against Cell Phone Use In Storms Researchers find evidence that cell phone use can increase severity of lightning-strike injuries.

    AOL Embarrassed by CNBC Report On Its Business Practices Cable channel airs report on problems consumers have known about for years.

    Senate Prepares for Net Neutrality Showdown It's unclear whether both houses will agree on the issue before adjournment.

    Cell Phone Users Want Stronger Consumer Protections, Surveys Find Polls support provision in New York bill that would allow users to cancel after receiving their first bill.

    Michigan Charges Verizon's Rates Are Excessive Phone company violating new state law, attorney general charges.

    Congress, Feds Sleep While Cramming Charges Afflict Thousands Congress scrambles to protect lobbyist-protected businesses, while consumers are left to fend for themselves.

    House Scrambles to Deliver Telecoms' Fondest Desires House scraps net neutrality, gives telecoms free ride to enter cable business.

    FTC Drops Vonage 911 Inquiry But Continues Telemarketing Probe Shareholder suits challenge Vonage IPO.

    Net Neutrality Gets Its Day In Congress House prepares to vote while Senate mulls its version of telecom reform bill.

    Vonage Accused Of Violating Securities Laws Company "crammed" its customers with IPO stock regardless of its suitability, suit charges.

    AOL Glitch Leaves Millions Without Mail Unexplained problem slows email delivery to a crawl.

    California Bill Seeks to Jumpstart Cable Competition New cable entrants would not need to go through franchising process.

    Vonage Customers Chafe Under Stock Purchase Plan "Ground floor" turned out to be the mezzanine.

    Virgin Wireless Offers Free Air Time In Exchange For Watching Ads It's not quite that easy -- there'll be a test.

    Survey: Outlaw Cell Phone Use While Driving Most people would support a state law that makes it illegal to use a cell phone while driving, a University of Michigan study finds.

    Net Neutrality Wins a Small Victory In Congress Measure survives committee vote, goes to full House.

    Cell Phones Cleared in Gas Fires Fire officials now doubt cell phones were to blame in much-publicized fires.

    Feds Surrender, Kill 108-Year-Old Telephone Tax Tax was enacted in 1898 to help pay for the Spanish-American War.

    Vonage IPO Fails To Meet Expectations Customer complaints, brisk competition dampen Wall Street's enthusiasm.

    Florida Seeks Nationwide Telephone Billing Probe Consumers hit by charges for services they never ordered.

    Michigan Challenges One-Sided Cell Phone Contracts 35 states join Michigan in Supreme Court filing.

    Net Neutrality Attracts Surprising Allies Supporters range from James Sensenbrenner and the Christian Coalition to Moby and R.E.M.

    Florida Opens "Cramming" Probe Charges placed by Axcess Internet Solutions through ILD Teleservices called into question.

    Kodak Imaging, ICE.com Settle Spam Charges Marketers sent e-mails without proper opt-out provisions.

    GAO: Broadband Access Difficult To Measure Phone companies get big favors from Congress but have they fulfilled their promises?

    Fired DirecTV Contractors Say They Refused To Lie To Customers Installers say they were told to "say anything" to get customers to upgrade.

    Massachusetts Puts Heat on MySpace.com Investigators were able to register as minors and browse kids' listings, state charges.

    AT&T Plans to Kill Cingular Name Cingular faces obliteration as it's pulled into the AT&T death star.

    Feds Sue Calling Record Vendors Five companies accused of illegally pilfering and selling consumers' calling records.

    Congress Wrestles with Net Neutrality Competing measures circulate as public pressure grows.

    New York Considers Tough Cell Phone Consumer Protection Law Consumer groups urge legislature not to fold to iindustry pressure.

    Another Patent Suit Against Blackberry California company says four of its patents were infringed.

    Researchers Find Internet Use Has Pros and Cons for Kids Kids bent on harming themselves and others get valuable info; so do serious students.

    Net Neutrality Loses House Vote, But Wins More Public Awareness Public waking up to threat of "tiered" Internet, activists say.

    Building A Better Internet ... Or Not Whatever happened to the promise of inexpensive broadband for all?

    Cell Phone No. 1 Driver Distraction Study finds distracted drivers three times more likely to have an accident.

    Florida Judgment to End Data Broker's Business Company illegally sold consumers' calling records.

    Feds, States Eye Internet Taxes States gang up to go after online sales while feds sharpen their gaze.

    FDA Will Review Cell Phone-Cancer Link Agency pooh-poohs Swedish analysis showing risk increases 240 percent after 10 years of heavy use.

    Congress Retreats from Guaranteeing Internet Neutrality Congress goes negative on net neutrality.

    Class Action Challenges AT&T/NSA Surveillance AT&T diverting Internet traffic into hands of NSA in violation of the Constitution, suit charges.

    Outbreak of DirecTV Porn Charges Hits Philadelphia Rogue subcontractors suspected of setting up bogus accounts to collect big commissions.

    Net Neutrality Gets Short Shrift in Congress Telephone companies get most of their shopping list, including "national franchise" for cable TV service.

    "Net Neutrality" Battle Heats Up Telecom giants use shock and awe to confound consumers, non-profits as they push for toll booths on the information highway.

    Vonage 911 Caller Put On Hold While House Burns Down Minnesota man says he tried to call for help but was put on hold.

    Florida Investigates Fake Caller IDs Companies allegedly sell calling cards with fake caller IDs.

    Microsoft Goes Phishing in International Waters Vows to hunt down phising fraudsters abroad.

    Comcast Cable Fined $1 Million In Massachusetts Settlement Company agrees to modify advertising and service practices in the future.

    Charges for Bogus Collect Calls on Hold Feds charge telecom billing company scammed consumers for millions of dollars.

    Supreme Court Asked to Rule on One-Sided Cell Phone Contracts Minnesota appeals decision overturning its cell phone consumer protection law.

    California Sues Data Trace USA for $10 Million Company allegedly obtained and sold cell phone calling records.

    Sleep With Your Cell Phone? Don't Forget the Dog North Carolina youth's dog saves him from fire started by overheated cell phone.

    Laptops Containing Verizon Employee Data Are Stolen Data was encrypted, company insists.

    Missouri Sues Datatraceusa.com Company allegedly sells calling records without authorization.

    Report: AT&T Acquiring BellSouth Humpty Dumpty almost back together.

    Blackberry Settles Its Patent Dispute Research In Motion (RIM) agrees to $612 million settlement.

    Frontier Settles NY Advertising Complaints State charges company used misleading sales tactics.

    Study Warns Cell Phones Could Cause Airliner Crash Carnegie Mellon researchers warn dangers are greater than commonly believed.

    AOL Responds Aggressively to "E-Mail Tax" CriticsOpponents turn up the heat.

    E-Mail Taxation Without Representation Advocacy groups rail against AOL, Yahoo email charges.

    Judge Refuses to Shut Down Blackberry Court likely to impose a solution on warring parties.

    Wireless Service Complaints Mixed Complaints fell last year -- or did they? It depends on who you ask.

    Texas Sues Companies Selling Telephone Calling Records Suit charges three companies illegally sold private calling records.

    Websites Hawking Phone Records Shut Down Florida-based 1st Source was facing lawsuits by three states and a federal investigation.

    Websites Hawking Phone Records Shut Down Florida-based 1st Source was facing lawsuits by three states and a federal investigation.

    Some U2 With Your Brew? Starbucks plans to get into the digital download business.

    No Quick Fix for Junk Faxes They're illegal but Congress cleverly created some pretty big loopholes.

    FTC Vows to Stop Illicit Sale of Cell Phone Calling Records Companies could face criminal prosecution, FTC warns.

    The Battle for Net Neutrality Congress considering system that grants "preferred access" to some Web content services.

    Privacy Threats Are Everywhere, Not Just Online Offline theft and carelessness are bigger threats than Internet.

    AOL, Yahoo Planning Postage Charges for Email Supposed anti-spam move likely to meet a strong backlash.

    FTC Pledges "Vigorous" Pursuit of Cell Phone Record Sales Cottage industry growing up around illegal call record sales, agency tells Congress.

    Save The Blackberry, Government Urges Shutting down Blackberry network could hamper emergency services, feds warn.

    AT&T Accused of Eavesdropping, Calling Record Sales FCC considers fine, Electronic Frontiers Foundation files suit over privacy shortcomings.

    Sprint Sues Cell Phone Record Brokers Sale of records endangers wireless users, suit contends.

    FTC Sues Telemarketers for Do Not Call Violations Company hung up on more than 64 million people, feds charge.

    Missouri Shuts Down Locatecell.com Restraining order prohibits company from providing cell phone calling records in Missouri.

    Texas Probes Cell Phone Calling Record Sales Missouri files suit against Locatecell.com.

    Washington, Microsoft Pursue Alleged Spyware Scammers Suit charges New York company sells spyware "removal" program under false pretenses.

    Cingular Patents the Emoticon :( Like those little smiley faces? So does Cingular.

    Survey: Internet Should Remain Open to All Verizon, AT&T eyeing extra charges for content providers.

    Future May Be Bleak for Blackberry Owners Supreme Court won't hear appeal in patent dispute.

    Connecticut Wants Tougher Junk Fax Rules Congress gutted previous rules at lobbyists' behest.

    Illinois Sues Company Selling Cell Phone Calling Records Sale of calling records is "privacy theft," attorney general charges.

    Outcry Over Sale of Cell Phone Calling Records Congress may act, unlike FCC and FTC, which have known about the problem for months.

    Lottery Scams Turn to Text Messaging Scammers target younger, vulnerable consumers with cell phones.

    Verizon Completes MCI Purchase Latest giant consolidation. SBC earlier acquired AT&T.

    Cell Phone Calling Records For Sale on Web Are your cell phone records being sold?

    Security Firm Warns Of Massive Windows Security Flaw Millions of computers running nearly every version of Windows are at risk.

    California to Try Again With Telecommunications Bill of Rights Cell phone industry expected to lobby heavily against new measure.

    New Charges Against Sony's Use of Stealth Software Lawsuits charge spy software endangers users' computers.

    MCI Chairman Gets "Scrooge" Award Nicholas Katzenbach "honored" for MCI's sorry record of consumer protection.

    Too Much Technology, Too Fast? Surveys find us increasingly dependent on Internet access, even during supposed family time.

    Dallas Area to Get Power-Line Internet Largest deployment of Broadband Power Line service set for 2006.

    More Drivers Talking On Cell Phones The number of drivers talking on a cell phone at any given daylight moment continued to increase in 2005, according to the latest research.

    T-Mobile Pays $135,000 Fine to NYC City charged consumers were misled through deceptive cell phone advertisements.

    Cable Companies to Offer "Family-Friendly" Packages Seeking to head off FCC and Senate action, industry agrees to put together packages that block mature content.

    DirecTV Fined $5 Million for Do-Not-Call Violations Federal penalty follows a $5 million settlement with 22 states.

    DirecTV Will Reform Ad Practices, Pay Millions in Refunds Twenty-two states sued after receiving complaints from consumers.

    Cingular Rolls Out High-Speed Wireless, Verizon Promises Live Video Carriers ramping up wireless broadband to answer Wi-Fi challenge.

    Cablevision Backs Unbundling Programming Packages As telecoms prepare to storm the cable fort, consumer choice suddenly gets lips service.

    Cable a la Carte, After All In surprise reversal, FCC chief backs "unbundling" cable tv packages.

    FTC Declares Progress in Spam Wars Technology, heightened security helping to trim spam.

    SBC Recast as AT&T Drab SBC courts and wins the glamorous but aging AT&T.

    Survey Finds Consumers Unhappy with Wireless Phone Stores The wireless "shopping experience" leaves much to be desired, NPD group finds.

    Cell Phones At Sea Silversea Cruises will offer wireless service on its cruises.

    Verizon Wireless Sues To Protect Customers From Telemarketers Private investigators were trying to obtain customer data.

    Instant Messaging Up 19 Percent, Study Finds IM replacing email in many applications, study finds.

    Microsoft Wants Federal Privacy Law Protecting consumers would help online business fluorish, company claims.

    States Want Congress to Act on Identity Theft, Data Security Forty-six state Attorneys General call for national security breach and credit freeze legislation.

    Cable Companies Preparing Cell Phone Entry Cox, Comcast, Time Warner plan to launch next year.

    Supreme Court Clears Cell Phone Cancer Suits for Trial Manufacturers lose bid to block suits alleging harmful radiation.

    FCC Approves AT&T, MCI Mergers Companies will be required to sell Internet access without requiring customers to take basic phone service.

    Sprint, Samsung Take on Apple's iPod Sprint Nextel will charge $2.50 for songs downloaded to its wireless phones.

    Justice Dept. OKs AT&T, MCI Sell-Outs Requires carriers to divest some high-density connections. FCC action next.

    SBC Will Keep AT&T Name Federal regulators expected to approve merger this week or next.

    "Cramming" Hits Consumers When They Least Expect It Your telephone can double as a pick-pocket.

    Consumers Adrift as Web Titans Argue Level 3 cuts off Cogent communications, leaving millions of Internet addresses unreachable.

    St. Louis Researchers Find Cell Phone Radiation Doesn't Promote Cancer Cell phone radiation didn't activate stress response in mouse, hamster or human cells.

    Cell Phone Churn Increasing T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless tie for top spot in J.D. Powers survey.

    MCI Stockholders Approve Purchase By Verizon Consumer activists wary of giant merger, which appears on track to approval.

    SBC Leads the Way in Political Pump-Priming Telcos spent $125 million on lobbying and political contributions, report finds.

    FCC Sees Robust Wireless Competition Despite consolidation, FCC says most Americans have choice of at least three companies.

    Class Action Challenges Cell Phone "Insurance" High deductible and cheap replacement phones negate supposed benefits, suit charges.

    Consumer Lawsuit Challenges Palm's Treo Claims Palm Inc. allegedly concealed defects in its Treo cell phones and failed to honor its warranty.

    Two of Five Americans Have Broadband at Home Penetration grows as price drops, Nielsen reports.

    Cox Tops J.D. Power Internet Ratings Cox climbs 20 points to hit top score for high-speed Internet service. Yahoo! tops dial-up ratings.

    Arizona Court Rules Against Unwanted Text Messaging Appeals court rules that "Do Not Call" laws apply to text messages.

    Wireless Calling Surpasses Wireline Calling Yankee group finds consumers increasingly cutting the cord and hanging up on landline phone service.

    Cell Service Satisfaction Slumps J.D. Power study finds 10 percent drop in customer satisfaction.

    Phone Service Returning in Hurricane Zone Companies working to rebuild networks in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast.

    New Orleans Phones, Cell Networks Still Down Companies unable to get their crews into the city to make repairs.

    Study Finds No Cell Phone-Cancer Link in First Decade of Use British researchers examine prevalence of specific tumor, find no elevated risk in first 10 years.

    Ring-Back Tones: Your Next Ad Channel Ring tones seen as next advertising channel -- listen to ads while waiting for voice mail.

    Listening, Talking, Driving Don't Mix University of Illinois finds listening and talking on cell phone while driving are equally hazardous.

    XPress Pharmacy Spammer Jailed In Minnesota Christopher Smith regarded as "public nuisance number one" for his alleged spamming exploits.

    AOL Agrees to Clean Up Cancellation Procedures Agreement with New York Attorney General technically applies only to NY consumers.

    Satellite TV Penetration Up Significantly But cable narrows the gap in customer satisfaction.

    ZOTOB Virus Targets Corporate Computers Major media organizations have to haul out the typewriters.

    Jamster Can Jam Up Your Cell Phone Bill Downloading "free" ring tones can get expensive.

    Florida Court Clears Way for Class Action Against Comcast Comcast's right to unilaterally change subscribers' contracts at issue.

    Sprint, Nextel Complete Merger Subscribers won't notice changes until next month.

    Cell Phone Customers Held Captive by Termination Fees Nearly half of cell customers would switch if it weren't for the fees, study shows.

    Computer Glitch Exposes Verizon Wireless Account Data Programming flaw affected customers who signed up for online "My Account" feature.

    Microsoft and "Spam King" Announce Settlement OptInRealBig.com LLC agrees to pay $7 million, cancel its bankruptcy filing.

    The Web's A Dangerous Place Consumer Reports has some tips to protect home computer users.

    FCC Scraps Rules Protecting DSL Competition Cable broadband and DSL now effectively deregulated; consumers are on their own.

    Dropped Wireless Calls Declining J.D. Power study finds cell phone service improving in most areas.

    FCC Clears Sprint, Nextel Merger Merger will create the country's third-largest wireless carrier.

    Advertising.com Settles Adware Charges America Online subsidiary offered free security software, but failed to disclose that adware was bundled with that software.

    IBM Says Gangs Now Behind Most Spam Organized criminal gangs are now the primary spammers, computer giant warns.

    RadioShack Dumps Verizon, Adds Cingular Ten-year deal tightens race between Cingular, Verizon Wireless for #1 spot.

    Norvergence Forfeits $47 Million In FTC Settlement Company signed small businesses to long-term agreements for worthless telephone service.

    Worm Has Some Computer Users Singing The Blues The Opanki worm makes the target believe they are clicking on a link to Apple's popular music site, iTunes.

    NYC Sues Wireless Phone Companies for Deceptive Advertising Suit against Nextel Communications Inc., Sprint Spectrum L.P., and T-Mobile USA seeks maximum fines.

    Most Consumers Choose to Bundle Local, Long-Distance Phone Service Verizon, AT&T, Cox among the leaders in J.D. Power survey.

    FTC Cracks Down on Illegal "X-rated" Spam More than $1.5 million in penalties assessed.

    FAA Leery Of Cell Phone Use On Airliners Potential for interference, annoyance and terrorist coordination cited.

    Ear in the Sky Feds Want to Eavesdrop on Airborne Internet Users

    WHO Study Examines Cellphone Risks to Kids Cancer data being searched for clues about potential cell phone health risks.

    Crash Risk Four Times Higher When Driver is On the Phone Australian study latest in a mounting body of evidence.

    Consumers Could Benefit from Transition to Digital TV But Congress must not let incumbents grab all the spectrum, consumer groups argue.

    Site Offers Cell Phone Contract Swapping Customers should be wary, consumer advocates warn.

    A Test of Verizon Wireless Broadband We spend months trying to find a spot where this service will work for even a few minutes.

    Up the Broadband Creek Without a Signal Millions of Americans can't get broadband Internet easily. What are their options?

    Google Buys Stake in Power-Line Internet Company Current Communications transmits broadband Internet over electricity lines.

    Justice Department Forces ALLTEL Divestiture Acquisition of Western Wireless results in divestitures in three states - Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska.

    Sprint Introducing Wireless Broadband Service Will reach half of U.S. population by year's end, company says.

    Fear of Spyware Plagues Millions Survey finds Americans increasingly edgy about viruses, worms, spyware and other Internet hazards.

    German Parent May Sell T-Mobile High cost of competing in U.S. increases pressure to sell.

    FCC Chair Promises Quick Action on Broadband After Supreme Court Ruling "Broadband parity" is bad news for AOL, Earthlink and other competitors.

    Texas, California AGs Call For End to Deceptive Billing By Wireless Phone Companies FCC should let states police cell companies, attorneys general argue.

    Supreme Court Hands Cable Edge In Broadband Marketplace Cable television operators do not have to open their systems to competitive Internet service providers, court rules.

    Consumer Groups Oppose Big Telco Mergers Big consumer groups say big telco mergers would be bad for little consumers.

    Cell-Phoning Drivers Get Failing Grade from Johns Hopkins MRI research shows brain can't handle driving and talking on the phone.

    Florida Human Growth Hormone Promoter Settles FTC Case Consumers get $485,000, defendant keeps his $2.4 million estate.

    Judges OKs Cell Phone Safety Case Suit accuses cell phone companies of not disclosing safety information.

    Astronomers Worried About Cell Phones on Airliners Transmissions could hamper astronomers using radio telescopes, scientists warn.

    California Settles with NorVergence Leasing Co. Small business paid big bucks but got no phone service.

    T-Mobile Ranks Highest in Wireless Customer Care Performance J.D. Powers survey puts T-Mobile on top for second year.

    Ohio Settles Lawsuit With AOL Company once again promises to do a better job of honoring customers' cancellations.

    Cell Phones May Harm Sperm Cells, British Study Finds The price of mobility: decreased motility.

    WV Sues "Labor Law Poster Service" Company sold workplace posters available free from the state, suit charges.

    SBC Cuts DSL Price to $15 Company hopes to push back cable TV competitors as it prepares to enter cable market later this year.

    AGs Settle NorVergence Claims With Three Leasing Companies Small businesses were on the hook for telephone service that no longer exists.

    California Investigates MCI Billing Company has allegedly been charging non-customers a minimum usage fee since at least 2002 despite cease and desist orders.

    Telecom Taxes Decried Antiquated state taxes burden consumers, study charges.

    FCC Requires VoIP Carriers to Provide Enhanced 911 Service Action follows lawsuits by three states.

    NY Wrings Concessions from Time Warner Cable Company agrees to ensure that its promotions are honest.

    GE Capital Agrees to NorVergence Settlement Pact could provide millions of dollars in debt forgiveness to small businesses.

    Amber Alerts Moving To Cell Phones Industrywide effort will bring text bulletins to customers who sign up for them.

    FCC Ready to Require VoIP Carriers to Provide 911 Service But commission won't require Bell companies to cooperate with VoIP providers.

    Swedish Study Finds Cell Phone-Brain Tumor Link Rural cell phone users eight times more likely to develop brain tumor, researchers find.

    Feds Warn of Cell Phone Battery Hazards Agency ignores risk of long-term radio frequency emissions, concentrates on risks of battery explosions, fires.

    AOL Adds Free Email to IM Accounts Company hopes to create an all-in-one communications portal.

    A New Worm Crawls the Web Computer security firm Trend Mico says WORM_MYTOB.ED is spreading fast.

    Vonage To Tie Into Verizon's 911 System Deals with additional Bell companies to follow, Vonage pledges.

    Connecticut Sues Vonage Over 911 Claims Company misrepresents its 911 capabilities, the suit alleges.

    Verizon Wins the MCI Bidding If approved, the deal would create the nation's second-largest telecom company, just behind SBC-AT&T.

    Mass Migration to VoIP Predicted In-Stat report sees migration peaking in 2010-2014.

    Michigan Warns Vonage About 911 Company doesn't fully disclose its 911 limitations, state charges.

    Odds of Finding the Best Cell Phone Service Worse than Roulette Without reliable coverage data, consumers can't make reliable choice, study finds.

    VOIP 911 Moves To Front Burner At FCC Chairman says FCC must address issue quickly, since it has blocked states from regulating Internet phone service.

    Adelphia To Set Up Victims Fund Rigas family stripped of nearly all its assets to monetize $720 million fund.

    Wireless Groups Developing Content Ratings Adult content likely to be among the first to use streaming wireless video.

    Verizon Will Offer Stand-Alone DSL Service The move accommodates customers who want to keep DSL but switch to Internet phone service.

    Congress Considers Permanent Ban on Internet Tax Federal, state and local Internet taxes would be banned.

    911 Issue Becoming an Emergency for VOIP Providers Other states likely to follow Texas in challenging VOIP providers' lack of 911 access.

    Cell Phone Taxes on the Rise Some states' cell tax now 20 percent or more, industry group complains.

    Intel Introduces New WiMAX Chip WiMAX promises wireless broadband over greater distances and at higher speeds.

    Cell Phone Charity A Scam, Oklahoma Charges Used cell phones supposedly were used to help battered women.

    Cell Phone Users Interrupt Sex for Phone Calls Fourteen percent of the world's cell phone users report that they have stopped in the middle of a sex act to answer a ringing wireless device, Ad Age reported.

    Cell Phones on Planes? Maybe Not Survey warns of air rage if current prohibitions are lifted.

    AOL Launches Internet Phone Service Service is $29.99 the first six months, $39.99 thereafter.

    Internet Telephony Taking Off, Analysts Report IDC predicts 27 million VOIP users by 2009.

    Cell Phone Viruses a Growing Threat Consumers should treat unexpected text messages as potential viruses and delete them.

    New York Wins Cramming Concessions from Verizon Company agrees to protect customers from unauthorized third-party charges on their phone bills.

    SBC, Vonage in Stand-Off Over 9-1-1 Bell companies reluctant to let Internet phone carriers into 9-1-1 system.

    Cingular Tops Cell Phone Complaint List Cingular's acquisition of AT&T Wireless spelled trouble for many consumers.

    FCC Disconnects Stand-Alone DSL Service Commission overrides state rules that allowed consumers to get DSL without subscribing to land-line telephone service.

    Kentucky Slams Book On Yellow Pages Scam Small businesses billed for service they didn't order.

    Texas Sues Vonage over 911 Access Consumers not clearly informed they must sign up for 9-1-1 service, suit charges.

    AT&T Agrees to Comply with Pennsylvania's Do Not Call Law Company had claimed it was not covered by Pennsylvania law.

    FCC Adopts National Standard on Cell Phone Billing State rules superseded by new rules, intended to make cell phone bills easier to understand.

    AOL Dives Into Internet Phone Scramble Links to e-mail and instant messaging likely to propel AOL to top of the VOIP heap.

    Firefly Promotes a Cell Phone for Kids Promoters ignore researchers' warnings about cell use by children.

    Study: Eight Percent of Drivers Are On the Phone Up from four percent in 2000, NHTSA finds.

    Cell Phones At Sea Cell phones are coming to a ferry and cruise ship near you.

    Coming Soon: Desktop Cell Phones Fixed wireless phones make it easier to dump landline service.

    Verizon Acquiring MCI With SBC buying AT&T, the deal marks the end of long-distance as a separate business.

    Cell Spam On the Rise Study finds consumers tend to change carriers rather than get a new number.

    SBC Settles Missouri Do Not Call Case SBC agrees to respect wishes of the 1.7 million homes on the state's No Call list.

    Consumers Union Blasts SBC-AT&T Merger Telecommunications market turning into a duopoly, CU charges.

    SBC Buys AT&T Now what? Does Verizon have to buy MCI?

    Adelphia Cable Sale Nears Time Warner, Comcast bid on bankrupt Adelphia.

    California Suspends Wireless Bill of Rights Consumer advocates denounce "vigilante action."

    SBC May Buy AT&T Powerful regional Bell company said to be in talks to buy disgraced AT&T.

    Cell Phone Users Eager for Video Study finds cell phone users embrace notion of watching TV and movies on their cell.

    Connecticut May Outlaw Wireless Directory California legislation causes Sprint to drop out of directory project.

    Florida Reaches Settlement with AT&T Floridians deployed in the Middle East will get free calling cards.

    Leasing Companies Release Florida Customers from NorVergence Leases Bankrupt telecom company left customers with big payments, no service.

    Verizon Launching New Multimedia Cell Service Subscribers can watch streaming video and send brief video clips of their own.

    Comcast To Offer Phone Service Nation's largest cable company will roll out Internet phone service to its subscribers.

    ALLTEL Buys Western Wireless Telecom consolidation shows no signs of slowing down.

    AT&T Faces $500 Million Phone Card Payment Company has evaded fees paid by its rivals for years.

    AT&T to Pay Missouri $50,000 for Improper Billing This time around, company billed non-customers a "basic use" fee.

    Cell Phone Users Unhappy, Survey Finds Consumer Reports finds users of every major company have complaints.

    Time Warner Cable Plans Cell Phone Service Cable giant wants to be first to offer Big Four -- local phone, cable, Internet and wireless.

    FCC Moves Ahead on Airborne Wireless Voice and Data Wireless Internet expected by 2006 but cell phones aloft may take longer.

    FCC Phases Out Discounts for Local Phone Competitors Competitors can build their own networks or use other technology, commissions decides.

    Sprint and Nextel Make It Official Boards of both companies approve merger. New entity will be third largest wireless carrier.

    Verizon In Bid For Sprint? Pac-Man game heats up. As Sprint prepares to devour Nextel, a larger, hungrier player looms.

    Cell Phone Sales Calls Not a Threat (Yet) Despite an e-mail making the rounds of the Internet, telemarketing calls to wireless phones are illegal and no national directory of cell phone numbers yet exists.

    Sprint, Nextel Merger May Be Next Companies won't confirm it but merger talks reportedly underway.

    Users Oppose Wireless 411, Study Finds Major wireless companies forging ahead with unpopular scheme to list customers.

    Nextel Signs One-Millionth Boost Customer Push-to-talk phones target youth market.

    Missouri Jams Fax Blaster California company fined $67,000.

    GE Capital Settles NY NorVergence Claims Other leasing firms still trying to collect from victims of bankrupt telecom scheme.

    Alyon Technologies Settles FTC Charges Company will drop its claim to $17 million in charges for adult videotext services.

    AT&T Will Pay FCC $500,000 for Erroneous Billing Company concedes it billed wrongfully customers and non-customers a monthly recurring "base rate."

    Cingular Will Deploy High-Speed Wireless Broadband Roll-out starting next year should spread to all major markets by 2006.

    ESPN Suits Up for Cell Service Sports channel will offer cell phone service with easy access to sports scores.

    British Lab Will Study Cell Phone Radiation Researchers will measure the effects of cell tower radiation on hypersensitive subjects and a control group.

    Risk of Cell Phone Explosions Growing Counterfeit batteries and miniaturization increase risks to users, safety agency warns.

    Massachusetts Sues NorVergence Bankrupt phone company allegedly bilked thousands of small businesses.

    Cable TV Pricing Report Disputed FCC study finds unbundling services wouldn't save consumers money.

    Sprint Named in Fat Fingers Suit Class action says Sprint deceived consumers by setting up numbers one digit off from its competitors.

    AOL Abandons Broadband Existing customers will revert to dial-up if they don't find another provider.

    FCC Exempts VoIP From State Regulation Commission hopes to spur growth of Internet-based phone service.

    Spammer Faces Prison in Virginia Jury recommends nine years in first test of Virginia's tough anti-spam law.

    Illinois Sues NorVergence Bankrupt company faces legal challenges from at least three states and the Federal Trade Commission.

    FCC Sets VoIP Ruling Commission will rule November 9 on whether VoIP is exempt from state and local regulation and tariffs.

    Nextel Gets More Spectrum Space Resolves dispute with Verizon over "push to talk" slogan.

    Cingular-AT&T Wireless Merger Approved Cingular becomes nation's biggest carrier.

    NetZero-Juno Parent Buys Classmates $100 million buys database of 38 million.

    Akimbo Launches Web Video-On-Demand New venture uses set-top box to link TV to Web-based video library.

    DirecTV Abandons Satellite Internet Plans Will shift satellite capacity to HDTV projects.

    Verizon Bets a Bundle on Fiber Nation's largest phone company will spend $2.8 billion to build fiber-to-home network.

    Florida Sues 12 Leasing Companies In NorVergence Case Small businesses signed leases for thousands of dollars for phone service that never materialized.

    Wireless Spending Outpaces Landlines Young males most likely to rely solely on their cell phone.

    Judge Allows Florida Case Against AT&T to Proceed State is suing company for billing customers for services they neither ordered nor wanted.

    FCC Chair Wants VoIP Free of State Control State regulation will doom new technology, Michael Powell argues.

    SBC Enters Wi-Fi Race SBC is offering its broadband Internet subscribers $2-per-month access to its network of 4,000 wireless hotspots, including UPS Store locations.

    Earthlink Will Offer BPL Internet Service in New York Con Ed opens its lines to broadband as competition heats up in nation's largest city.

    Feds OK Internet Service Over Power Lines Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) offers a new way to bring high-speed data to consumers.

    T-Mobile Ranks Highest in Wireless Satisfaction J.D. Power and Associates reports T-Mobile ranks highest in overall retail sales customer satisfaction.

    Time Warner Rolls Out Internet Phone Service in NY, NJ Move is a challenge to Verizon in its biggest market.

    Court Rules Against Videotext Billing Scheme $1.6 million to be returned to consumers.

    States Probing NorVergence Collapse Bankrupt phone reseller left thousands without phone service and stuck with long-term leases.

    California Fines Cingular $12 Million Company must also pay $40 million or more in refunds to customers.

    Study Charges FCC Slowing Broadband Deployment Letting Bell companies raise wholesale costs of lines will retard broadband growth, researchers warn.

    Critics say Junk Fax Bill Could Boomerang Congress considers bill heavily lobbied by industry groups.

    Bill Would Limit Telemarketer Calls to Cell Phones Congress weighs whether cell phone numbers should be published without consent.

    Survey Finds More Satisfaction with Wireless Service It's the first time a significant increase has been achieved on a year-to-year basis in three years of J.D. Powers studies.

    Minnesota Sues LCR for Slamming Company brought slamming to "a new low," state charges.

    Sprint, AT&T Denied Service Based on Credit Reports Companies will pay nearly $1.5 million to settle charges.

    Court Bans Cell Phone Spammer Rhode Island man flooded wireless customers with text messages.

    Siemens Warns of Possible Hearing Damage in Some Cell Phones Disconnect tone could play loudly under certain conditions.

    Illinois Targets Pre-Paid Calling Cards New law requires more complete rate disclosure, gives state more power to go after offenders.

    Phone Rate Tag Team Goes for the Gold Big and small alike, phone companies united in raising rates and fees.

    Illinois Hits LCR Telecom With 22 Complaints Attorney general charges company "slammed" small business phone subscribers in several Illinois counties.

    Internet Phone Service: Curse or Cure? Voice calls over the Internet could save consumers big bucks ... or not.

    Hands-Free Phones Safer, Study Finds Reaction time, steering better when not holding phone, researchers found.

    Brits OK Cell Phones in Hospitals Regulatory agency says hospitals should "balance" risks with benefits.

    AT&T Abandons Residential Market Company decides to focus its resources on business and government customers.

    Cell Phone Carriers Agree to New Ground Rules in 32 States Three major carriers agree to provide better coverage maps, full rate disclosures and to allow two-week trial.

    OptInRealBig.com Settles NY Spamming Charges Prosecutors snared more than 10,000 e-mails with deceptive addresses and subject lines.

    In-Flight Cell Phone System Survives Test Flight Commercial deployment about 24 months away.

    Teen Burned When Cell Phone Catches Fire Fire investigators say battery apparently overheated and exploded.

    AT&T Agrees to Pay Refunds to New Yorkers Company wrongfully billed consumers who were not its customers.

    Make a Call, Get a Ticket Washington, D.C., New Jersey, join New York in outlawing handheld cell phone calls while driving.

    AT&T Hangs Up; Says It Will Pull Out of 7 States MCI reportedly may exit residential business altogether.

    Cablevision Rolls Out Internet/Cable/Phone Package $90 a month buys it all -- local & long-distance phone, high-speed Internet and digital cable.

    Virginia Arrests Alleged HGH Spammer Texas woman faces five felony count under Virginia's tough anti-spam law.

    States Settle with New Access Ten states allege telephone reseller misrepresented its services.

    California Adopts Wireless Consumer Bill of Rights Lets consumers cancel during first 30 days.