FCC Removes Porn-Blocking Restriction From Nationwide Free Wi-Fi Proposal

The cockamamie plan to devote a chunk of AWS-3 spectrum to free w-fi can eliminate one enemy from its massive cadre of detractors: people who would use the bandwidth for streaming MegaPorn videos at 10kbps.

FCC Planning New Spectrum Auction With Free Broadband for All

It looks like the FCC is taking up Congresswoman Anna Eshoo's dopey scheme to deliver internet to the masses with another spectrum auction that would require the winner to offer free broadband to half of the US within four years, and 95 percent sometime after that. A nearly impossible task, on top of being silly in the first place, so don't expect anyone to volunteer to pay for the privilege. There's no set date for this proposed auction of 25MHz in the 2155 to 2180MHz range, but the FCC is planning to meet on June 16 to discuss the rules of the fail sale. [RCR Wireless News]

Noveon Zaps Toe Fungus With Light, But Annoying Lamisil Commercials Remain

Using a first-of-its-kind direct optical energy device called Noveon, one Waltham company is hoping to stamp out toenail fungus once and for all using nothing but light. The device "utilizes two discrete near-infrared wavelengths at low power" and produces no heat, according to a rep from the manufacturer, Nomir Medical Technologies. The approach could eliminate the need for expensive meds like Lamisil or Fulvicin, which work, but can cause upset stomach and liver damage. Clinical trials are set to begin soon, and the Noveon could be zapping foot fungus—and periodontal disease (think morning breath, but forever!)—very soon. More »

FCC 700MHz Auction Winners: Verizon Wins C Block

Just as we had suspected all along, Verizon has officially won the open access C block of the 700MHz spectrum. AT&T walked away with a nice-sized chunk, too—227 regional licenses that'll nicely patch up the holes not covered by the huge swath they bought from Aloha Partners last year. The 700MHz band is spectacularly suited for use as a wireless broadband network—perfect for Verizon and AT&T's upcoming 4G networks, both of which are LTE-based. For more details, check our handy-dandy 700MHz auction guide, which tells you everything you need to know. [Reuters, Thanks Yoshi]

Analysts Say Ring the Bell, Verizon Set to Win 700MHz Auction

It's been our hunch all along that Verizon would take all in the 700MHz spectrum auction, but analysts are now confirming our suspicions from the other day: Verizon is set to win the most hotly desired slice of airwaves in the country, which can be used for anything from an entirely new mobile broadband service to boosting their current data setup. Whatever they do with it, they've gotta keep it open. [Forbes]

Rev Your Engines, FCC 700MHz Spectrum Auction Starts Today

Going once, going twice, sold to Verizon! Or something like that. The FCC's 700MHz spectrum auction starts today, and you can watch all of the hot bidding action right here. It's auction 73, and the page is so exciting I nearly peed my pants. More »

All Systems Go: 700MHz Auction Rules and Bidders Stamped in Stone

I know I'm a geek because I'm almost as giddy for this as I am for MacWorld: The rules and bidders (214 of 'em) for 700Mhz spectrum auction, which starts on Jan. 24, have been finalized. No surprises here—the heavies like AT&T, Verizon and Google have their shit in order and the C block fireworks look good to go. [Ars]