T3 - Tech 100

Important US government body.

The Obama-appointed FCC Chairman helps regulate telecoms and technology in the US, with any company wishing to launch an electromagnetic energy gadget in the US having to seek authorisation. What’s good for the US is good for the UK, with all of these products launching here after they’ve passed the FCC check.

The FCC recently hit headlines due to the Google Voice controversy, which saw Apple reject the VoIP iPhone app due to the ‘competing’ nature of several iPhone functions. Chairman Genachowski is also investigating whether these exclusive carrier deals with hot-to-trot smartphones are legal, as they restrict those living in areas of poor reception from purchasing the device. If the US finds these exclusive deals to be illegal (as France has found), chances are we’ll see the same question arise in the UK.