> Level 3 Communications (Nasdaq: LVLT) weighed in on yesterday's Verizon-Google proposal, saying that while they "are encouraged" that the two were able to come to an agreement about net neutrality, some parts of the proposal are worrying. "Allowing last-mile access network owners to create a "paid priority" data service raises a number of concerns, especially since most consumers have a choice of only two wired broadband Internet suppliers," a company statement said. News release.
> Looking to try all-in-one cloud-based business communications services but don't want to commit? Onebox, a brand of j2 Communications, is offering a one-month free trial of its popular Onebox Receptionist service. News release.
> In the same space, Canadian cloud-based business phone system provider RingCentral is offering RingCentral Office, designed for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Release.
> Calix is raising its profile in the Midwest as more customers deploy VDSL2-based services on its C7 Multiservice Access Platform (MSAP). News release.
> Business-class phone services provider Aptela has launched a new Department Dashboard with its v5.2 calling platform release. Details.
> Two leading mobile operators in the Asia Pacific region, CSL of Hong Kong and Total Access Communication PLC of Thailand, have selected Sybase 365 and Telecom New Zealand's IP eXchange (IPX) voice service to exchange voice international voice traffic following a successful trial. News release.
And finally... electronic cigarette maker Smoking Everywhere, which sells its product over the Internet, has run into a bit of a pickle in Oregon, the Washington Post reports, where the Florida-based company has been fined $95,000 for violating the state's Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Story.