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Federal Court Shuts Down Pay As You Go Wireless

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the pay-as-you-go-out-of-business dept.

self assembled struc writes "BCGI has been found guilty of infringing on pay-as-you-go wireless patents owned by Freedom Wireless. This means that cellular providers who use BCGI pay-as-you-go billing systems must immediately stop selling new service. For the next 90 days, as they wind down their service, they will have to pay Freedom Wireless 2.5 cents per airtime minute used PER CUSTOMER. This heralds a farewell to Cingular's Go Phone and Sprint-Nextel's Boost services, both powered by BCGI."

17 of 422 comments (clear)

  1. I'm using Cingular's Go Phone by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    For wireless dial-up access, and I haven't noticed any

  2. Well... by Ceirren · · Score: 5, Funny

    Looks like they'll be paying as they go! Hahahahaha

  3. So... by lenmaster · · Score: 5, Funny

    I guess the name "Freedom Wireless" is an ironic choice.

    1. Re:So... by wo1verin3 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well it rolls off the tongue better then what they were originally going to name the company "Full of Nazi Patent Whores Wireless".

    2. Re:So... by gad_zuki! · · Score: 4, Funny

      > I guess the name "Freedom Wireless" is an ironic choice.

      Only in pre 9/11 America.

      *rimshot*

      Not as catchy as "In Soviet Russia" but it has potential. In post 9/11 America, freedom wireless takes your phone!

  4. Wait one second... by NETHED · · Score: 4, Funny

    I read the article. Is this for EVERYONE in the country? What will happen for all the users of these phones. What about tracfone, they've been at it for YEARS, does this affect them? I need clarification or some unfounded speculation, both would be nice.

    --
    --sig fault--
  5. One Word.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    BULLSHIT!!!

    You'll NEVER stop me from getting FREE WIFI off of my Pringles Can!!!
    Take THAT FCC!!!

  6. After hearing the verdict by Koil · · Score: 4, Funny

    He then turned and walked defiantly from the court room, only to sheepishly return and ask "Um....anyone have a cell phone?? I need to call my lawyer."

  7. For the sake of free market.. by cybrthng · · Score: 4, Funny

    I hope we can rely on federal court to rid us of these patented monopolies.

  8. Re:Business Model Patents Suck! by bani · · Score: 4, Funny

    and this is a bad thing? i see it as a perfect way to destroy the RIAA and MPAA.

  9. I use Virgin Mobile... by NeuroManson · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does this mean I'm screwed as well?

    --
    Just because you can mod me down, doesn't mean you're right. Shoes for industry!
    1. Re:I use Virgin Mobile... by sdo1 · · Score: 5, Funny

      No, don't worry. By definition, you're not getting screwed.

      --
      --- What parts of "shall make no law", "shall not be infringed", and "shall not be violated" don't you understand?
    2. Re:I use Virgin Mobile... by dwater · · Score: 4, Funny

      > How can you get screwed by a Virgin?

      There's always a first time.

      Actually, there's *only* a first time.

      Er, ah, right this is /.; I forgot.

      No, there's never a first time

      --
      Max.
  10. Re:Painful Math by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yes, your math is painful.

    10 * $0.025 * 3,100,000 = $775,000

  11. Re:America by thegrassyknowl · · Score: 5, Funny

    Where you can patent something obvious, and then prevent someone else from doing that obvious thing.

    You are infringing on my patent:

    My idea is the generic method of using a muscular diaphragm to apply force to a bag made of human tissue in order to draw air into and expel air from the bag for the purpose of respiration!

    Please pay me $0.025 for every breath you take.

    --
    I drink to make other people interesting!
  12. Re:America by afabbro · · Score: 4, Funny

    It was diculous the first time. No need to re-diculize it.

    --
    Advice: on VPS providers
  13. Re:America by TWooster · · Score: 5, Funny

    What about every move I make?

    Every bond I break?

    Every step I take?

    Wait... Are you stalking me?