10 chapters across the catalog
A traveler in Rome experiences severe connectivity issues while attempting to secure high-speed data for a broadcast. Despite having five different network options, including T-Mobile, Sprint, and a local Vodafone MiFi hotspot, the user encounters strict data caps and an inability to purchase additional "gigas" until the end of the billing cycle.
John C. Dvorak prepares to see the "Spider-Man" musical on Broadway, which is rumored to be a massive financial failure. The hosts run through "magic numbers" in the news, including Vodafone's 33% stake purchase and Google's 33% smartphone market share. They sign off with a reminder to visit the No Agenda News Network.
Vodafone Network Sabotage and Guttenberg Resignation
In a "slave revolt" incident, the Vodafone mobile network in the UK was partially disabled after equipment was stolen from a telephone exchange. Meanwhile, in Germany, Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg resigned following a scandal involving the plagiarism of his doctoral thesis.
Vodafone faced criticism for suspending mobile services in Egypt and allegedly broadcasting pro-Mubarak text messages under government pressure. The hosts discuss the role of telecommunications companies as intelligence-gathering mechanisms for the state. Adam Curry suggests that outraged UK subscribers should cancel their Vodafone service to exercise consumer power.
UN Foundation, Vodafone and Rockefeller Foundation Partnership
Kathy Calvin, CEO of the UN Foundation, highlighted a partnership between the Vodafone Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation to scale mobile health systems. The hosts point out Calvin's background as a former Hill & Knowlton executive, a major PR firm. They criticize the "non-governmental" label of these organizations, characterizing them as vehicles for globalist agendas and vaccine distribution.
Near Field Communication and Vodafone's Egypt Statement
The hosts discuss the rollout of Near Field Communication (NFC) for mobile payments, expressing concern that phone companies will have too much leverage over consumers' finances. They also criticize Vodafone for its statement regarding the internet shutdown in Egypt, where the company claimed it was simply following government orders.
The FCC's move toward net neutrality is characterized by the hosts as a "sham" that will ultimately allow ISPs to manage and block traffic under vague language. They cite personal examples of their websites being blocked by corporations and international ISPs like Vodafone. They criticize the public for being distracted by trivial news like "Balloon Boy" while significant internet regulations are being enacted.
Australian Internet Censorship, ISP Whitelisting Scams
Australia is implementing a test system for internet censorship, ostensibly to block illegal content, but critics warn it will inevitably lead to political filtering. Meanwhile, companies are forced to pay upwards of $50,000 a month to stay on ISP "whitelists" to ensure email and content delivery, a practice described as a corporate scam.
The UK government is considering allowing fiber optic cables to be run above ground to accelerate the rollout of high-speed internet. While common in the U.S., above-ground wiring is rare in many European countries due to aesthetic concerns. One host expresses a preference for the "charming" look of telephone poles, while noting their own reliance on a Vodafone wireless dongle for faster upload speeds.
Vodafone Mobile Data Plans and Roaming Fees
A discussion regarding UK mobile data services focuses on Vodafone's transition from hardware dongles to USB sticks offering 7.5 megabits down. The conversation highlights the high cost of international roaming and the frustration with "fair use" limits that restrict users to small monthly data allowances.
