Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorAugust 22, 2017

When the issue of net neutrality first emerged more than 10 years ago, some wondered whether it would result in overreaching, heavy-handed government intervention. We saw this intervention come to life in 2015, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under President Obama took the unprecedented and rather extreme step of classifying the internet as a […]

Blake DowlingJuly 29, 2017

For those in the spotlight, the internet is not so fun. Not a moment can go by when the world isn’t critiquing politicians, athletes, celebrities and various other public figures. I joke with my fraternity brothers (with whom I hold football season tickets) about how it was such a blessing to have attended college right […]

Blake DowlingJuly 22, 2017

Ray Tomlinson invented email in 1972. Tomlinson was an ARPANET contractor and picked the @ symbol to reference digital communications between computers. Since then, things have changed — just a wee bit. In a perfect world, organizations use email to share quick bursts of info with clients, colleagues, constituents, etc. But, in the real world, […]

Scott PowersNovember 21, 2016

Elon Musk‘s latest bold plan for his SpaceX company is nothing short of total world coverage for satellite-based telecommunications. His Space Explorations Holdings LLC, parent company of the SpaceX rocket company, filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission last week for licensing of 4,425 satellites he wishes to put into orbit to provide global […]

Jim RosicaMay 12, 2016

Frontier Communications’ top executive for Florida operations says the company “apologize(s) to every Tampa Bay area customer who has experienced service disruptions.” Melanie Williams, senior vice-president and general manager for operations in Florida, released a statement Thursday. That’s the same day Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was “cautiously optimistic that Frontier disruptions in services will […]

Jim RosicaMay 12, 2016

Pam Bondi came ready to rumble against Frontier Communications — and it looks like she won. The state’s attorney general announced Thursday the Connecticut-based telecommunications company had “committed to improving communications and customer services in Florida.” “After a lengthy, productive meeting with Frontier executives, I am cautiously optimistic that Frontier disruptions in services will be quickly […]

Jim RosicaMay 9, 2016

When there’s something strange about your Frontier Communications service, who you gonna call? Or rather, who you gonna call that can actually do something about it? In Florida, it’s not clear. On April 1, Frontier took over Verizon‘s landline, internet and cable TV service in Florida, specifically for Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota customers. Since then, […]

Blake DowlingMarch 30, 2016

The United States Justice Department says it has closed its case against Apple for refusing to help the FBI unlock an iPhone used by the San Bernardino shooters. I wrote a column earlier in the month about the repercussions and legal precedent that would be established if Apple complied with the request. Most citizens were […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 11, 2016

During the 2016 Florida Legislative session, lawmakers will be asked by the self-storage industry to end the current system of publishing a public notice in a local newspaper before the seizure of property or an auction is going to occur. Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) is opposed to this because we represent the interest of […]

Guest AuthorDecember 7, 2015

As a society we do a terrible job of educating our children to become scientifically literate. Sure, we have STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs throughout the country, and with some justification we can brag about the successes of students who are in or who have graduated from such learning experiences. However, in general, […]

Tag: Internet

Sal Nuzzo: Long-term policy needed to guarantee a free internet

Blake Dowling: Embarrassing moments of 2017

Blake Dowling: The almighty email

Elon Musk files for plans to dominate space telecommunications with 4,425 satellites

Frontier apologizes to Tampa Bay for spotty service

Pam Bondi makes progress on Frontier service problems

Adam Putnam, Pam Bondi fight Frontier on spotty service

Blake Dowling: Apple vs. FBI: battle is over, but I doubt the war is

Brewster Bevis: Legislature shouldn’t limit public notice

Michael Bass: Toward a more scientifically literate public