Small Company Promises SF Free WiFi

This won't help its 'Don't Be Evil' mantra

(NEWSER) - Google has pronounced itself "profoundly sorry" for the revelation that its roving street-map vehicles have been inadvertently collecting data about websites people visit over unprotected WiFi networks. The company says it's ditching the data and fixing the problem. (See its explanation and apology here .) Some early reaction:

• "It’s not likely that Google grabbed enough data about many individuals for this to be a major privacy concern," writes Jason Kincaid at TechCrunch . But as it faces increased scrutiny from privacy advocates and governments, "this is certain to haunt Google nonetheless."

Fight for market share finds willing fodder in snow-delayed fliers

(NEWSER) - There’s a new public option in town: free wireless from Google for the holidays. The search giant has partnered to provide WiFi gratis in 47 airports nationwide from now until the middle of January; the generosity even extends to in-flight access on continental Virgin flights, PC World reports. Google would probably like to spread its beneficence across the entire nation, but its partnership with the likes of Time Warner and Boingo doesn’t allow universal coverage. More»

Adviser thinks Obama should open power grids, fund innovation

(NEWSER) - Google CEO Eric Schmidt thinks the government needs to fund a massive reinvention of America’s energy infrastructure, opening up the grid to startups and funding innovation, Information Week reports. It’s crucial “that small startups with funny names get founded and funded in the new regime,” said the adviser to President-elect Barack Obama. “That’s where the wealth will be created.” More»

Decision to open spectrum a big victory for Google, tech giants

(NEWSER) - The FCC has voted to open up an unused chunk of TV airwaves for the delivery of wireless broadband services, Bloomberg reports. The ruling is a huge victory for Google and other technology giants, who backed the measure against fierce opposition from broadcasters. The tech firms say the plan will expand broadband access across America and spawn a wave of innovative new devices. More»

FCC to decide today who gets rights to 'white spaces'

(NEWSER) - Singer Dolly Parton has added her powerful country-music lungs to a battle against Google over an unused chunk of radio spectrum that will be settled by an FCC vote today, the New York Times reports. Tech companies have been pushing for the spectrum to be opened up for public use, while many from the world of old media—including Broadway, TV networks, rock bands, and Parton—argue that such a move could interfere with live broadcasts. More»