ConsumerAffairs.Com Telecom News http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news_index/telecom.html Telecom scams, lawsuits, prosecutions, company info and warnings from ConsumerAffairs.Com en-us Copyright 2004 ConsumerAffairs.Com info@consumeraffairs.com (Truman Lewis) jhood@consumeraffairs.com (Jim Hood) http://backend.userland.com/rss New Twist in 'Vista Capable' Class Action Lawsuit http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/10/windows_class_action.html Lawyers want to use Windows Update to notify eligible consumers. House Passes New Internet Radio Legislation http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/09/internet_radio_reprieve.html Bill would enable negotiations on royalties to continue after Congressional recess. FTC Backs Crackdown on Pre-Paid Phone Card Abuses http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/09/ftc_prepaid.html Agency wants legislation against deceptive marketing tactics. Wilmington Goes Digital In DTV Transition Test http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/09/dtv_wilmington.html FCC test market for digital switchover watched anxiously. Comcast to Cap Internet Usage for Customers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/comcast_cap.html Residential users top out at 250 gigabytes per month under new policy. Comcast to Cap Internet Usage for Customers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/comcast_cap.html Residential users top out at 250 gigabytes per month under new policy. Signal Problems Plague iPhone 3G http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/iphone_chipset.html Apple issues firmware upgrade but analysts are skeptical. Internet Providers Admit to Monitoring Customers' Web Surfing http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/isp_monitoring.html Congress demands more information from companies. FCC Announces Major Publicity Push for DTV Transition http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/dtv_fcc_awareness.html Commission members will travel to critical markets to spread the word. Graphic Card Problem May Affect Millions of Computers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/nvidia.html Nvidia admits problem but doesn't alert consumers. Judge Rules Sprint Termination Fees are Illegal http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/sprint_termination_suit.html Telecom must pay millions in class action suit. XM-Sirius Merger Approval Nears Completion http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/xm_sirius_approval.html FCC fines companies nearly $20 million as precursor to deal. Cancer Center Workers Warned about Cell Phone Risks http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/cell_phone_cancer.html Cell phone use should be limited, University of Pittsburgh cautions. Comcast Tries to Polish Its Image http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/comcast_image.html Cable giant plays nice on many fronts to avoid FCC penalties. Communications Industry Urges Congress to Act on Broadband http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/broadband.html U.S. is falling behind, unions, businesses warn. Apple Has a Bad Day http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/iphone_intro.html Glitches plague 3G intro. Report: New Cable Rules Don't Lead To Lower Prices http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/fcc_cable.html FCC's promises of lower prices, better service unfulfilled. Verizon Pays $21 Million to Settle Termination Fee Lawsuit http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/termination_suit.html Other carriers watch decision carefully. Report: U.S. Broadband Adoption Slowing http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/broadband.html Price, lack of access remain barriers to new customers. Washington Agog: FCC Rules Against Verizon http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/fcc_verizon.html Chairman Martin isolated in 4-1 vote to enforce existing rules. Washington Power Grab May Be Price of Lower Cell Phone Termination Fees http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/fcc_termination3.html Telecos willing to give up a few dollars for one-stop lobbying in the town they know best. U.S. Cellular Settles 'Free' Phone Complaint http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/or_cell_phones.html Oregon challenges company's advertisements. Cell Phone Industry Losing Its Treasured Arbitration Clauses http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/scotus_tmobile.html Supreme Court refuses to hear T-Mobile's appeal. Wireless Firms Face Pressure On Termination Fees http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/fcc_termination2.html AT&T follows Verizon; will prorate its fees by $5 per month. Texas Sues Prepaid Calling Card Company http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/tx_nextg.html Charges Next-G with delivering fewer minutes than advertised. Verizon, FCC Cook Up Termination-Fee Plan http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/fcc_termination.html Deal would jettison states & suits and possibly sink Sprint's boat. GAO: Digital TV Switchover Mostly On Track http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/dtv_gao.html But report finds "technical issues" still slowing pace of transition. Researcher: Cell Phones 'More Dangerous Than Smoking' http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/cells_danger.html Millions of deaths could result over the long term. FCC Releases Broadband Report, Admits Data is Faulty http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/fcc_broadband.html But agency proclaims U.S. broadband competition is healthy. Verizon Wins Wireless Spectrum Auction http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/verizon_spectrum.html Company forced to open network to all devices. Feds Settle with BSG/ZPDI/Billing Concepts http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/ftc_bsg.html FTC trying to rein in massive 'cramming' operations. AT&T Agrees to Refund Some Ringtone Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/fl_att_ringtones.html Company pledges to police Internet advertising more closely. Cell Phones May Provide False Sense Of Security http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/cell_safety.html Study finds cell-carrying students take more chances. Comcast Blocks Public From FCC Hearing http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/comcast_hearing.html Cable company pays thugs to keep public out of public hearing. States Asked to Probe AT&T U-Verse Explosions http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/att_uverse.html Equipment cabinets a threat to life and property, real estate brokers claim. Congress Gets Net Neutrality Legislation http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/net_neutrality_markey.html Bill would bar ISPs from blocking or delaying content. Congress Makes 'Do Not Call' List Permanent http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/congress_dnc.html New bill prohibits removal from registry. FCC Finds Plenty of Wireless Competition http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/fcc_penetration.html Wireless services available to 99% of Americans, agency claims. FCC Not Ready to Pry Open Wireless Networks http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/fcc_open.html But agency warns carriers its plans could change. Time Warner To Test Metered Pricing For Broadband http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/tw_bandwidth.html Leaked memo reveals testing of new price scheme in Texas town. MySpace Agrees To Toughen Security For Young Users http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/myspace_states.html Abuse-reporting to be made easier; age verification tools studied. MySpace Harassment Case Takes Odd Turn http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ca_myspace.html Localities looking at 'cyber-harassment' laws. House Committee To Probe FCC http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/fcc_house.html FCC instructed to retain e-mail records for use by investigators. FCC To Investigate Comcast For Blocking Net Traffic http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/comcast_blocking_fcc.html Decision could shape future of net neutrality legislation. PeoplePC Settles Deceptive Marketing Case http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ny_peoplepc.html Earthlink subsidiary will refund hidden charges. Driving While Phoning Gums Up Traffic, Study Finds http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/cell_traffic.html Distracted drivers slower to react. Video Professor Drops Subpoena, Goes After Wikipedia Users http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/video_prof03.html Comcast protects its customers, Wikipedia surrenders. Sprint Removes Three Fees, Adds Two New Ones http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/sprint_fees.html Company claims new charges will 'defray costs.' Phone Pretexters Get Off Cheap http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/ftc_pretexters.html FTC settles with company that sold consumer calling records. Losing Your Cell Phone Could Cost More Than You Think http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/cell_lost.html Consumers should treat phones like credit cards. Google Will Bid In Wireless Spectrum Auction http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/google_auction.html Tech giant will 'put our money where our principles are,' CEO says. Verizon Wireless Opens Network to All Devices, Software http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/verizon_open.html The 'walled garden' will be no more. iTunes Upgrade Hits Sour Note With Users http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/itunes_upgrade.html Music disappears, iPod transfers fail. Comcast Sued Over Internet Blocking http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/comcast_suit.html Lawsuit alleges deceptive marketing and misleading of customers. FCC Chief Seeks New Restrictions On Cable TV http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/fcc_cable.html Stepped-up regulation comes as telecoms turn up the heat on cable. Senate, FCC Chairman Spar Over Media Consolidation http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/fcc_senate.html Land-grab attitude permeates Washington as elections loom. Sprint, T-Mobile Prorate Termination Fees http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/sprint_tmobile.html Last of four major carriers to adopt customer-friendly policies. Manhunt 2: Pushing the Limit of Gore and Violence http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/manhunt2.html Video games deliver new levels of realism and sadism. Verizon Overrides Internet Searches With Its Own Results http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/verizon_search.html Web search "tinkering" raises net neutrality concerns. FCC Set to Outlaw Exclusive Cable Deals http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/fcc_cable.html Telecoms win; landlords, cable companies lose. Sprint Settles Lawsuit, Will Unlock California Phones http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ca_sprint.html Customers will be able to use their phones with other carriers. AT&T Charging Fire Victims For Toasted Satellite Dish http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/att_fire.html San Diego couple didn't grab their dish as they evacuated. Verizon Agrees to Stop 'Unlimited' Claims http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ny_verizon.html Settlement with New York applies to wireless broadband customers nationwide. FTC Vows Not To Purge Numbers from Do Not Call List http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ftc_purge.html Agency backtracks, says consumers won't need to reregister. Prepaid Wireless Plans Can Save Time & Money http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/prepaid_wireless.html But read the fine print and be sure you know what you're buying. Indiana Sues Buzz Telecom For Slamming http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/in_buzz.html Company accused of billing customers without their consent. California Supreme Court OKs T-Mobile Class Action http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ca_tmobile.html Another chink in the Early Termination Fee armor. AT&T Changes Terms Of Service After Outcry http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/att_tos.html Company adds 'freedom of expression' language. AT&T Agrees to New Stolen Cell Phone Rules http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ca_lost_cells.html Other states, companies may adopt California pact. Texas Rounds Up 14 Sex Offenders on MySpace http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/tx_myspace.html Convicted offenders illegally created profiles on social networking site. House Democrats Probe Warrantless Surveillance http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/congress_wireless.html Letters sent to telecoms wanting information on wiretapping program. Verizon Wireless Changes Contract Policy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/verizon_contract.html Congress, FCC mulling new rules that would limit early termination fees. Minnesota Sues Sprint Nextel for 'Tricking' Customers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/mn_sprint.html Company extended contracts without permission, state charges. Verizon's Abortion Block Raises Net Neutrality Concerns http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/verizon_abortion.html Telecom reverses course, blames "incorrect interpretation" of its policies. Study Finds Little Short-Term Cell Phone Health Risk http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/cell_phone_health.html More research needed to measure long-term effects, however. Verizon Wireless Challenges Spectrum Auction Rules http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/verizon_fcc.html Telecom giant opposes "open access" conditions supported by Google. FCC, Congress May Limit Cable, Cell Phone Termination Fees http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/fcc_etc.html Rising tide of consumer discontent rocks industry's boat. XM/Sirius Merger Gets a Boost http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/xm_fowler.html Former FCC chair says merger would spark competition. Apple Cuts Price of Most Expensive iPhone http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/iphone_price.html Offers $100 credit to early adopters. Microsoft Maintains its Monopoly, States Argue http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/states_msft.html Report finds court-imposed remedies inadequate. AT&T Adds Parental Controls To Mobile Phones http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/att_parental.html Parents can limit minutes, block calls to objectionable numbers. AT&T Slammed Over Rebate Policies http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/att_rebates.html Consumers looking for rebate get a debit card instead. Escape from Cell Phone Purgatory http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/cell_phone_contracts.html How to get out of your cell phone contract without paying a termination fee. Comcast Cuts Off Heavy Internet Users http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/comcast_ban.html Customers complain bandwidth limits are secret. Ohio Man's Dell Laptop Bursts into Flames http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/dell_fire.html Latest in a series of laptop fires blamed on lithium-ion batteries. Appeals Court Shreds AT&T Arbitration Clause http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/cingular_waiver.html Finds cell phone contracts that deny consumers the right to sue "unconscionable". Class Action Against eBay http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/ebay_suit.html Suit alleges deceptive auction practices. Internet Addiction Redefined, Treatment Outlined http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/internet_addiction.html Study finds 10% of all Internet surfers suffer from addiction. Many Facebook Users Compromise Own Identities http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/facebook_security.html Careless consumers make identity theft easy, study finds. FCC Passes Compromise Rules For Wireless Spectrum Auction http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/google_wireless2.html Google had pressed for an "open" system that gave consumers maximum choice; AT&T objected. Virus Spreading Through Emailed Screensaver http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/rootkit.html "Realy cool" screensaver is really a dangerous rootkit. The 411 on Free 411 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/free_411.html Information calls don't have to be expensive. Court OKs Rebate Lawsuit against Cingular/AT&T http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/att_rebate_suit.html Company advertises "rebate" but sends "reward card." Security Flaw Found In iPhone http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/iphone_hacks.html Hackers can take control of the phone and get access to personal information. Google, AT&T Square Off Over Wireless Broadband http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/google_wireless.html Google wants "open" system that encourages innovation, competition. Senate Wants Better Data On Broadband Deployment http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/senate_broadband.html Lobbyists fudging the numbers, some activists claim. SunRocket Fizzles http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/sunrocket.html Second-largest standalone Internet telephone provider abruptly closes its doors. Dead Air Ahead: Court Denies Webcasters' Appeal http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/internet_radio.html Internet radio faces huge royalty rate hike. Congress Slams AT&T Over iPhone Contract, Fees http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/iphone_congress.html Subscribers pay high price for phone, then face stiff termination fees. Verizon Signs Florida Anti-Cramming Agreement http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/fl_verizon.html AT&T, Embarq earlier agreed to similar terms. AOL Pays $3 Million, Promises to Clean Up Cancellation Process http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ca_aol.html AOL also agrees to straighten out its billing practices for add-on accounts. Apple Denies iPhone Nano Reports http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/iphone_nano.html Reports from Asia indicate cheaper iPhone may be in the works. Sprint: Don't Call Us, We'll Call You http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/sprint_dontcall.html Sprint cuts off service to customers who call customer service too often. New Jersey Targets Sex Offenders With MySpace Profiles http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/nj_myspace.html More than half were on probation and can be hit with tougher penalties. iPhone Snags Reported http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/iphone_snags.html Some customers encounter activation problems. Apple Readies iPhone For Release http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/iphone_rollout.html Expensive, unproven gadget relies on sleek styling, fervent fans. NY Consumer Group Disputes Frontier Calling Plan Ad http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/frontier_ad.html Company advertises "nationwide" phone package for $29.99 when the monthly cost is really $39.99. Embarq Agreement Protects Florida Consumers from Cramming http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/fl_embarq.html Local telephone company agrees to crack down on crammers. Google Wins a Round Against Microsoft http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/ca_microsoft.html Microsoft agrees to make changes in "instant search" function in Windows Vista. FBI Finds 1 Million PC’s Have Been Hijacked http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/fbi_botnets.html Most users don't have a clue their machine's been taken over. Wireless Spectrum May Hold Key To Net Neutrality http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/wireless_spectrum.html Transition to digital television opens up space that could support wireless broadband. House Passes New Anti-Spyware Bill http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/spyware_house.html Bill prohibits consumers from suing spyware distributors. New York Sues Dell on Consumer Fraud Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/ny_dell.html Suit accuses Dell of false advertising, bait and switch, failure to provide promised services. Wireless Hackers Suspected In TJ Maxx Breach http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/tjx_wireless.html Investigators think "drive-by" hackers snatched customer data from stores. Senate Moves Ahead with Data Breach Bills http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/senate_data.html Critics say measures are weaker than some state laws they would replace. That Cingular Feeling http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/cingular_music_video.htm Spurned by Cingular, consumer creates a music video to air his grievance. Dell Breaks Microsoft Stranglehold On PCs http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/dell-ubuntu.html Coming soon from Round Rock: Linux-based Ubuntu, a free open-source operating system. How Safe Is That Free Wi-Fi Connection? http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/wifi_safety.html "Hotspots" at airports, hotels and restaurants are handy -- but are they safe? FCC Report Recommends More Cable Choices http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/cable_choice.html Eliminating "bundling" would reduce costs and increase choice, report finds. Feds Slam InPhonic/WireFly, Soyo for Deceptive Rebate Practices http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ftc_rebates.html Companies ordered to reimburse consumers for overdue rebates. Net Neutrality Coalition Marks a Milestone http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/neutrality_coalition.html Public awareness, pressure on Congress has kept more draconian measures at bay. Acer Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/acer_batteries.html Sony-made cells can cause overheating and possibly fires. Appeals Court Gives Vonage a Reprieve http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/vonage_patent03.html Internet phone company can keep signing new customers while its appeal is pending. Congress May Outlaw Spyware http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/congress_spyware.html House committee considers Spy Act, which would outlaw malicious spyware programs. FCC Takes a Closer Look at Broadband Deployment http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/fcc_broadband.html New inquiry looks at whether broadband is adequately deployed in rural areas. Telcos Lift Block On FreeConference.Com http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/free_conference.html Oft-convicted AT&T labels free-conference-call service a "scam." Vonage CEO Exits as Company Struggles to Survive http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/vonage_ceo.html Verizon's court victory puts Vonage on the ropes. Best Buy Sued Over "Shower Cam" http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/best_buy_shower_cam.html Geek Squad technician allegedly planted camera in bathroom. Groups Urge FCC To Create Wireless Broadband Competition http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/wireless_broadband_competition.html 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 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/vonage_patent02.html Appeals court stays earlier decision ordering the company to stop signing new customers. Judge Orders Vonage to Stop Signing New Customers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/vonage_patent.html Decision in Verizon patent case is a major blow to Internet phone company. Georgia Suspends Buzz Telecom's Operating Certificate http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/buzz.html Indiana attorney general investigating the company as consumer complaints pour in. FCC Says No To Airborne Cell Phone Use http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/fcc_air_cell.html At least for now, agency won't lift ban on cells aloft. Microsoft Issues Patch To Plug Seven New Windows Holes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/microsoft_patch.html "Critical" update needed to close animated cursor vulnerability. FCC Strengthens Rules For Phone Privacy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/fcc_phone_privacy.html New rules intended to curb "pretexting." Texas Cites RadioShack for Exposing Customers to Identity Theft http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/tx_radio_shack.html Texas store left customer documents unprotected in trash cans, state charges. Businesses Back Off RFID http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/rfid_backlash.html Consumer backlash discourages spy chip promoters. Batteries Could Run on Sugar http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/batteries_sugar.html New technology could cut risk of laptop, cell phone fires. FCC Takes Another Look at Net Neutrality http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/fcc_neutrality.html Under fire from consumers, agency opens inquiry into Internet access. Feds Agree To Rethink Internet Radio Royalties http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/crb_internet_radio.html Web broadcasters and NPR say royalty fee increase threatenes their existence. XM-Sirius Merger May Encounter Technical Difficulties http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/xm_sirius_tech.html Companies don't have enough spectrum space to combine programming as they have promised under oath. TracFone Pays $50,000 for Violating Missouri's Do Not Call Law http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/mo_tracfone.html Company called consumers on the Do Not Call list, left recorded messages. MacBook Battery Suspected in Australian Fire http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/macbook_fire.html 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 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/congress_fcc_cable.html Republican-led commission gets a rocky reception in the Democratic-led Congress. Study: Ending Net Neutrality Would Hurt Consumers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/net_neutrality_study.html Telephone and cable providers would be the big winners. FCC Rolls Out New Rules On Video Franchising http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/fcc_video_franchise.html Verizon, AT&T get fast track around franchise rules that bind cable companies. The End Of Internet Radio As We Know It http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/internet_radio.html Ruling by federal copyright board may mean the end of most music radio on the Internet. Spam E-mail Increases Worldwide http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/spam_rates.html Russia, China, U.S. are major sources of spam. InPhonic Settles With D.C. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/inphonic_settlement.html Wireless phone dealer to pay unspecified restitution to consumers. Mysterious Computer Theft Hits Mystery Shopping Company http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/speedmark.html Company takes its time telling workers their personal data was taken.