FCC to Examine Cancellation Fees for Cable, Phone, Web

50 workers died between 2003 and 2011

(NEWSER) - Next time someone is carping about spotty cell coverage, keep in mind this investigation by ProPublica and PBS' Frontline: Fifty tower climbers died in accidents between 2003 and 2011 as the industry raced to get everyone connected. A slew of factors contributes, from inadequate training, to shoddy equipment, to a cowboy culture among workers that embraces drugs and alcohol on the job in combination with daredevil risks, to on-site supervisors giving tacit approval to take shortcuts in order to meet ever-rising demand. More»

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile get with the program

(NEWSER) - Cell phone users tired of rationing their minutes have a new alternative—unlimited calling plans for $99.99 a month. Verizon Wireless yesterday introduced a nationwide plan with no domestic roaming or long-distance fees, AP reports. AT&T quickly announced a matching plan, and T-Mobile execs say they’ll unveil an unlimited plan for the same price tomorrow. More»

It's not just dead last in general—last in every city, almost every category

(NEWSER) - AT&T may claim to have the largest and fastest wireless network … but it also has the worst one, according to the latest Consumer Reports survey. When it comes to wireless providers, AT&T ranked dead last in general—as well as in every city. Last year, it came in second-to-last. Consumers rated quality of calls, text messages, wireless data, and customer support, and AT&T ranked lowest in almost every category: Text messaging, in which AT&T came in second-to-last, was the only exception. More»

Verizon has reach, but is way behind on sexy smartphones

(NEWSER) - Verizon’s network may be the envy of its peers, but its smart phones definitely aren’t, writes Priya Ganapati. Caught off guard by the iPhone phenomenon, the carrier has taken a very cautious approach to new devices, subjecting them to a long testing process. As a result, while its competitors have carved out niches, Verizon is stuck in place. More»

iPhones et al might have more than you need; here are some cheaper alternatives

(NEWSER) - Smartphones may be the future, but you may not need one just now, writes Marguerite Reardon of CNET. The iPhone and its pricey brethren probably have more features than the average user needs. Here are some cheaper feature phones that might meet your needs. Prices are for a 2-year contract:

• AT&T—Motorola Karma QA1—$79: This little 3G wonder features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and home screen access to Facebook and MySpace.