The software locks that wireless operators put on devices, such as the iPhone, may violate state and federal antitrust laws, but there isn’t much consumers can do about it. In this edition of Ask Maggie, I answer a reader’s question about whether consumers could sue their carriers to force them to allow people to take …

The Federal Communications Commission just gave the final approval for Verizon Wireless to purchase the biggest hunk of spectrum outside of a full company merger in U.S. history. So what’s it all mean? In December, Verizon proposed buying 20 MHz of wireless spectrum from a consortium of cable operators known as SpectrumCo, which included Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright …

Google’s Nexus branded devices are supposed to get Android updates before anyone else. So why are Verizon and Sprint Galaxy Nexus subscribers still waiting for the latest of Android software introduced nearly two months ago? This is a question that I address in this edition of Ask Maggie. I also clear up a lingering question about keeping your unlimited data …

In a blog post Wednesday, AT&T defended its new policy of restricting use of Apple’s FaceTime app so that only customers on its Mobile Share plans can take advantage of it. But consumer advocates still say AT&T is violating the Federal Communications Commission’s Open Internet rules. Apple Last week, AT&T confirmed that it has plans to make the popular video …

Amazon and Google have opened the market to a whole new class of tablet customer with their 7-inch tablets priced affordably at $200. But the attractive price tag is only one reason to like these mini-tablets. In this edition of Ask Maggie, I explain why I like smaller tablets and why I think readers interested in buying a tablet should …

If I can unlock my Verizon iPhone so I can use it on a local carrier’s network while I’m on vacation in Europe, why can’t I pop in a SIM card to that same unlocked phone, and use it on AT&T or T-Mobile when I get home? In this edition of Ask Maggie, I explain why the term “unlocked” doesn’t …

It’s that time of year again when the rumors are flying about a new Apple iPhone. Eager iPhone fans are already plotting their upgrade to the new iPhone, which is expected to be announced and launched in September. Many people who already own iPhones sell them in order to get cash to buy their next iPhones. But as the rumor …

C Spire Wireless, a small, southern wireless provider formerly known as Cellular South, has an ambitious plan to build a fast, 4G LTE network to reach its 900,000 customers. To do it, C Spire bought $192 million worth of 700 MHz wireless spectrum, which is considered some of the most valuable wireless spectrum that’s still available because it can travel …

Now playing: Watch this: The heat over Verizon’s spectrum deal 3:14 There has been a lot of talk over the past year about spectrum shortages, spectrum interference, companies proposing mergers just to get their hands on spectrum and even spectrum auctions that will help bail the nation out of debt. But what exactly is wireless spectrum? And why are people …

To say that Verizon’s unlimited data smartphone customers are unhappy about changes in the company’s new pricing structure is putting it mildly. But what’s a disgruntled subscriber to do? In this edition of Ask Maggie, I offer advice to a Verizon customer about the carrier’s new service plans, which will require him to pay for a new smartphone at full …