Rumors are again circulating that Apple’s next iPad will be smaller and cheaper than its previous models. The latest report from The Wall Street Journal cites unnamed officials at Apple’s component suppliers who told the publication the company has decided to move ahead with manufacturing the tablet. Bloomberg ran a similar story, also with anonymous sources, that stated the screen of the new iPad would measure up to 8 inches diagonally and would not use the same high-definition Retina display in the iPad 3.

The FCC has made its first formal steps to review a proposed joint venture aiming to create a high-speed wireless network in Alaska. The effort between General Communications, Inc. and Alaska Communications must pass FCC approval before it can move forward. On Tuesday, the commission released two protective laying out confidentiality rules for documents to be made public in its docket for the transaction.

The latest version of Google’s Android operating system is now on about one of every ten devices running the operating system, the Internet search company reported on its developers blog. Nearly 11 percent of Android devices run Ice Cream Sandwich, compared to 64 percent on Gingerbread and about 17 percent on Froyo. Google recently debuted Jelly Bean, its next version of Android.

Verizon Wireless has released details about its upcoming round of LTE expansions. The company is expanding its network and launching in new markets in Kansas and Missouri, including Kansas City, Kan. and St. Joseph, Mo. The service is currently available in more than 300 markets, dwarfing AT&T’s LTE footprint.