The Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday that Verizon Wireless will pay a $1.25 million settlement after the agency found that the firm unlawfully blocked users from attaching devices on the network for free.
In a 10-month investigation, the FCC found that Verizon, the nation's largest wireless network, asked Google to remove 11 applications in the Android marketplace that were being used to circumvent Verizon's $20 tethering charge. Tethering is the practice of using a device such as a smartphone or laptop as a modem to obtain Internet access for additional devices.
By blocking those applications, Verizon violated promises it made to the FCC that it would allow any software to be used on its network. The so-called net-neutrality conditions were part of rules attached to the airwaves Verizon won at public auction in 2008 for $9.63 billion.
Because the FCC only regulates Internet service providers, it did not investigate Google. But it said Google, a staunch proponent of net neutrality rules, agreed to Verizon's request to block tethering apps.
"The massive innovation and investment fueled by the Internet have been driven by consumer choice in both devices and applications," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement. "The steps taken today will not only protect consumer choice, but defend certainty for innovators to continue to deliver new services and apps without fear of being blocked."
Verizon Wireless refuted the FCC's claims, saying it didn't intend to block applications. Its agreement to settle "puts behind us concerns related to employee's communications with an app store operator about tethering applications, and allows us to focus on serving our customers," the company said in a statement.
The enforcement action comes as the FCC and Justice Department complete their reviews of Verizon's $3.9 billion bid for airwaves from cable giants Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House and Cox.
Consumer groups and some lawmakers have criticized the deal for creating too much consolidation in the wireless marketplace. Verizon Wireless and cable firms are being investigated by Justice for a cross-marketing portion of the deal some critics fear will lead Verizon Communications to cut back ambitions for its FiOs television and Internet service that competes with cable firms.
"This is an important victory for consumers," said Joel Kelsey, a policy adviser at public interest group Free Press. "It sends a clear signal to the wireless market that any practices which block or restrict consumers' access to the Internet won't be ignored in Washington."
Business
FCC fines Verizon $1.25M for blocking tethering apps
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Anglin Public Relations hires new account specialist
Anglin Public Relations announces the addition of Bonny Blackmon as account specialist to its Oklahoma City firm.
Blackmon is an Edmond resident and is the daughter of Mike Blackmon and Anita Peterson of Moore.
Blackmon is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication with a focus in public relations. While at UCO, Blackmon served as a marketing assistant for Housing & Dining and interned at Box Talent in summer 2011. As an account specialist, Blackmon is responsible for the support and implementation of communication tools, events and activities to meet client goals.
Anglin Public Relations specializes in comprehensive public relations for businesses and nonprofit organizations. The firm provides public relations services ranging from strategic planning and image development to community and media relations. -
Public asked to vote on best philanthropists
The Association of Fundraising Professionals will celebrate National Philanthropy Day on Oct. 31 at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. AFP is also celebrating 30 years of recognizing philanthropic leadership in Central Oklahoma. They are seeking nominations in one of the following nine categories: Fundraising professional, volunteer fundraiser, corporation, philanthropist, foundation, outstanding philanthropic service organization, outstanding achievement in diversity, outstanding fundraising organization and outstanding youth making a difference. Anyone can vote.
Last year Heidi Russell of Edmond received the Mike McDonald Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award. Paul Folger with KOCO News was the emcee and he presented Russell with the award.
The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. June 21. Go to http://afpoklahoma.afpnet.org/ to cast votes. -
Local dentist leads national group
Dr. W. Scott Waugh was elected as the president of the American College of Dentists for 2013 as part of the College’s 92nd Annual Meeting and Convocation in San Francisco.
He is the first Oklahoman to be selected and will serve for one year, traveling throughout the United States and visiting other state’s dental associations and dental schools while representing the American Dental College.
Waugh was the recipient of the Oklahoma Dentist of the Year Award in 2009. In addition he has received The Thomas Jefferson Award and Dan Brannin awards from the Oklahoma Dental Association. He has served as president of the Oklahoma Dental Association and Oklahoma County Dental Association. He has practiced family dentistry in Edmond for more than 39 years. -
Purchases by dementia sufferers put stores in quandary
An increasing number of lawsuits have been filed across Japan against department stores that allowed unusual purchases to be made by elderly people with dementia.
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VIDEO: You won't believe how much Google interns are paid
Many interns work for free. Not at Google.
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My Small Wonders will double its facility size
Scott and Tammy Werner say they consider it an honor and privilege to partner with parents in the lives of their children.
“The most important thing in anyone’s life is their kids,” Scott Werner said. “So we take that as a huge privilege, but we also take it as a big responsibility and just appreciate the trust.”
The Werners became owners of My Small Wonders Daycare Center in 2011. -
Father-son duo start business in tight economy
A struggling job market affected two men coming from opposite ends of the work force.
A local father-son duo, Jeff Norris and his son, Robert, both experienced layoffs tied to the economy. Jeff had been working for 25 years in management, and Robert couldn’t find a job that remained viable after graduation. -
THE ASTUTE INVESTOR: Are we there yet?
If you’re like me and have raised children, you are probably familiar with piling in the family car and heading off on vacation or a day trip. Invariably, hardly any time has passed at all before the children start asking, “Are we there yet?”
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RCB Bank plans to give away car to celebrate Edmond expansion
RCB Bank is giving away a car this summer as part of its expansion into Edmond. The prize is a 2012 CNG Honda Civic with navigation and Bluetooth.
Running now through Aug. 31, every time a customer swipes their RCB Bank debit card, they are automatically entered to win. Entry forms are also available at participating Oklahoma City metro area RCB Bank locations. In-branch entries are limited to one per person, per branch, per day. -
Evans & Davis merges with Balentine Law
Evans & Davis law firm recently merged with Balentine Law and the Heritage Law Center. The firms will operate together under the name of Evans & Davis. The firm’s principal location will remain in downtown Edmond, with additional offices in the Highland Park area of Dallas.
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