FCC’s auction of airwaves could speed in-flight WiFi

WASHINGTON » Surfing the Web may soon be easier and faster at 30,000 feet.

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed auctioning the rights to use newly available airwaves to provide better in-flight Wi-Fi connections, as the government agency seeks to improve the speed and lower the cost of Internet service on commercial flights.

The commission’s proposal is the first step toward providing in-flight Internet service that can match or exceed the capabilities that most Americans have at home or can find in coffee shops, a goal that is likely to take a couple of years, at least, to reach.

The new format would use a more reliable system of contact between a plane and the ground, agency officials said, and should allow more consistent service that is about 30 times faster than the service many Americans have in their homes.

Although it will be at least a couple of years before the new service is available, federal officials and people in the broadband business are excited that the new format could free airline passengers from being captive to the expensive and rather slow Wi-Fi currently available on only some domestic flights.

Total recall

» About 6,000 Jerdon Style model CM12B one-cup coffee makers, with date code 1217, have been recalled. The coffee makers are black and have an oval, red indicator light above the on/off switch. The coffee maker brews a single 8- to 12-ounce cup of coffee. The phrases "FIRST CLASS" and "JERDON" are printed in white letters on the front of the product. The model and date code are imprinted on a nameplate on the bottom of the coffee maker. They were sold from July 2012 to January. The device can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

Call Jerdon at 800-223-3571 or go to www.jerdonstyle.com and click on "Recall Information" at the bottom of the page for more information.

» About 3,700 2012 and 2013 Toro Z Master Commercial 2000 Series ZRT riding mowers are being recalled. The mowers are red and black. "Toro" and "2000 Series" are printed on the side and "Z Master Commercial" on the front of the mowers. When viewed from the operator’s seat, the model and serial numbers are on a metal plate at the front of the mower, below the seat, on the right-hand side. They were sold at Toro dealers nationwide from January 2012 through April 2013. The idler pulley can rub against the mower’s fuel tank, posing a fire hazard.

Call Toro at 855-493-0090 or go to www.toro.com and click on Product Recall Information on the bottom right-hand side of the page.