Google’s (GOOG) plans to expand its superfast Internet service in nine more U.S. markets coincides with the Federal Communications Commission’s move to make it easier for municipalities to build their own networks, ramping up pressure on broadband incumbents. Google said late Wednesday in a blog post that it’s in discussions with 34 cities in nine U.S. markets to expand its Google Fiber broadband Internet service. The FCC, meanwhile, said it’s
As Google (GOOG), Apple and other digital content companies build in-car technology, many will be working with Gracenote. Oakland, Calif.-based Gracenote is shifting gears from being a CD-data company to an in-car platform maker. Gracenote President Stephen White spoke with IBD about how onboard computers are changing the way drivers listen to music and why Gracenote is working to build a universal software platform to support evolving digital ad
The Federal Communications Commission plans to write new rules to prevent Internet service providers from charging fees to companies like Netflix (NFLX) and Google (GOOG) to reach consumers at the highest speeds. The FCC said Wednesday it wants to ban broadband Internet providers like Comcast (CMCSA) and Verizon Communications (VZ) from blocking or slowing down access to any websites. U.S. courts have ruled against the FCC’s last two attempts to enforce so-called “net neutrality.” But the government agency says the policy is crucial to keeping the Internet free and open and allowing smaller companies to compete with larger firms. Internet service providers want the option to charge fees to content companies that use more bandwidth. But the FCC says that would give ISPs the power to determine winners and losers online and to crush potential over-the-top video services like Netflix. On Jan. 14, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the…