(AP) -- The head of the Federal Communications Commission wants a massive overhaul of the fees that phone companies pay each other when they connect calls. Supporters say the reforms will help fund improved broadband Internet access for rural America, but consumer advocates question how much the plan will raise people's phone bills.
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AT&T to cut 12,000 jobs, 4 percent of staff
(AP) -- AT&T Inc. joined the recession's parade of layoffs Thursday by announcing plans to cut 12,000 jobs, about 4 percent of its work force.
Collective solution to accessing the internet via satellite
(PhysOrg.com) -- In many rural areas, getting on the internet means putting up with sluggish dial-up connections or, at best, erratic mobile services. A new satellite-based solution developed by European researchers promises to change that.
Japanese mobiles to offer psychotherapy sessions
A Japanese professor on Wednesday launched what he said was the world's first web-based psychotherapy sessions available via mobile phone, as the country grapples with a growing problem of depression.
Wired ... but frustrated
Need help setting up that home computer or Internet connection? Frustrated by that new cell phone? You're not alone. A survey released on Sunday found that nearly half of Americans need help from others booting up their new devices, and an even larger percentage need outside assistance when they encounter technical problems.
Nokia Unveils N79 and N85 Smartphones
(PhysOrg.com) -- Nokia has announced the unveiling of two new Nseries devices that's aimed at driving down the cost of their smartphones. The N85 model will be replacing the N81 and upgrades the camera from two to five megapixels, also adding GPS both for mapping and for geotagging shots. The N85 also switches to a 2.6-inch AMOLED screen that will supply richer colors and extends music player time to 28 hours on a single charge.
Scanners can bridge gap between business cards, high-tech
Even though many phone numbers and e-mail addresses are just a Google search away, low-tech, paper business cards remain popular. So what's the best way to get contact information from the business card into your computer or phone?
Internet pioneer Paul Baran gets richly deserved honor
This is a column to brag about Paul Baran, because Lord knows he's not going to do it himself. The guy is a brilliant innovator and a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur. He's on his way to the White House to be honored Monday for giving us some of the key building blocks of the Internet.
Google offeres up a new vision of computing's future
Tuesday, and it has little to do with desktops or laptops. It's a future that focuses on mobility, with access to the Internet - and the ability to search its vastness, of course - no matter where you are from a device that clips to your belt or sits in your purse. The Google phone has arrived.