04/12/2017: The ban on airline phone calls continues
President Obama's FCC had introduced a proposal that would get rid of in-flight cellphone bans. Now the new FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, is striking that plan down, stating that there are Americans who "value a moment of quiet at 30,000 feet." The Washington Post's Brian Fung joins us to talk about the controversy and the niche business of in-flight Wi-Fi service. Afterwards, we'll look at Projekt Red's attempt to trademark the name of its video game Cyberpunk 2077 — a move that has angered gamers who don't like the idea of companies trademarking a subgenre of science fiction. We'll chat with Stanford law professor Mark Lemley about the meaning of cyberpunk and how trademark law works.
President Obama’s FCC had introduced a proposal that would get rid of in-flight cellphone bans. Now the new FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, is striking that plan down, stating that there are Americans who “value a moment of quiet at 30,000 feet.” The Washington Post’s Brian Fung joins us to talk about the controversy and the niche business of in-flight Wi-Fi service. Afterwards, we’ll look at Projekt Red’s attempt to trademark the name of its video game Cyberpunk 2077 — a move that has angered gamers who don’t like the idea of companies trademarking a subgenre of science fiction. We’ll chat with Stanford law professor Mark Lemley about the meaning of cyberpunk and how trademark law works.
The future of this podcast starts with you.
Every day, the “Marketplace Tech” team demystifies the digital economy with stories that explore more than just Big Tech. We’re committed to covering topics that matter to you and the world around us, diving deep into how technology intersects with climate change, inequity, and disinformation.
As part of a nonprofit newsroom, we’re counting on listeners like you to keep this public service paywall-free and available to all.
Support “Marketplace Tech” in any amount today and become a partner in our mission.
