In a culture where people cradle their cellphones next to their heads with the same constancy and affection that toddlers hold their security blankets, it was unsettling last month when a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that doing so could alter brain activity. … more

As many wireless telecommunications operators around the world reach saturation points in consumer penetration, they fear hitting a growth wall. These companies face mounting competition, declining average revenue per user (ARPU) and steeply rising costs. … more

As part of our overall goal to make the web better for users, last year we announced a new project: to provide a community with Internet access more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have today. The response was overwhelming—nearly 1,100 cities felt the need for speed—and we were thrilled by the enthusiasm we saw across the country for better and faster web connections. Thank you to every community and individual that submitted a response, joined a rally, starred in a YouTube video or otherwise participated. … more

Verizon Communications plans to upgrade segments of its U.S. Internet backbone to 100 Gigabit Ethernet by the end of the second quarter, the carrier said today. … more

A South Korean communications firm became a surprise bidder in the auction for the bankrupt Blockbuster. … more

When overseas, Asia-Pacific Internet users are predominantly making use of data roaming services for e-mail, online collaboration and messaging via their mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. However, carriers are urged to cut data roaming prices by up to 80 percent to generate higher usage, according to a new ZDNet online survey. … more

For Americans, complaining about big cellphone bills that seem to only get bigger is standard practice. But they may actually be getting a pretty good deal — globally speaking. … more

Smartphones, smartphones, smarthphones! That’s what we have to look forward to over the next several months. … more

Microsoft Corp. is working on a version of its Windows Phone software that will let users buy merchandise with a flick of the handset at a checkout counter, two people familiar with the plans said. … more

Sprint Nextel Corp., the third- largest U.S. wireless provider, said AT&T Inc.’s planned $39 billion takeover of T-Mobile USA will damage industry competition and called on the government to block it. … more