Internet

NEA study finds digital divide narrowing in U.S. public schools; Parents overwhelmingly view Internet as help, use email as main communication tool with teacher

WASHINGTON - November 16, 2009 - Poll results released today show the digital gap is increasingly becoming a thing of the past in America’s public schools. The National Education Association and Harris Interactive have released the results of an Omnibus poll showing parents have embraced the benefits of Internet at school and even use the technology to communicate with their children’s teachers.    » read more »

Last Week Schumer Requested The FTC Step Up Enforcement Actions Against Websites Peddling Fake H1N1 Cures and Prevention Methods

November 16, 2009 -- Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is embarking on a major crackdown on companies selling phony H1N1 remedies. As the problem of fake remedies grows worse, and concerns about the H1N1 flu increase, the FTC announced that they would take further enforcement action against ten companies that are peddling fake H1N1 remedies on-line.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 22 projects in 10 states to receive $13.4 million in broadband community connect grant funds.

"The Obama Administration recognizes that modern technology is critical to the expansion of business, education, and health care services in rural areas and the competitiveness of the nation's small towns and rural communities," Vilsack said. "The President and USDA are committed to bringing broadband services to communities, including isolated ones, so rural residents have access to quality economic, social and educational opportunities."    » read more »

November 10, 2009 -- OLYMPIA, WA – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced that Washington state will receive a grant of approximately $2.2 million to fund broadband mapping and planning activities under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program.

The program enables collection of data to show which areas of each state are in the most need of increased broadband infrastructure and adoption. The data collected will be used to create an interactive and searchable map for use by the public with information such as where broadband service is available and at what speeds, and the type of technology used.    » read more »

Addresses Emerging Online Reputation And Privacy Exposures

HARTFORD, Conn., Nov 10, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- User-generated content is taking many forms on today's Internet. Whether consumers are posting product reviews to a company's Web site, providing personally identifiable information to receive a special offer, or uploading photos to a social networking site, they're sharing more information about themselves online, which creates both opportunities and liabilities for companies with access to this content. To help midsize and larger businesses address these emerging areas of risk, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has enhanced its flagship cyber liability policy.    » read more »

Agencies Plan to Consolidate Final Two Funding Rounds, Seek Comment on Program Enhancements

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2009 - The USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced they are streamlining the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's broadband grant and loan programs by awarding the remaining funding in just one more round, instead of two rounds, to increase efficiency and better accommodate applicants.    » read more »

November 3, 2009 -- As part of a continuing effort to identify the latest cyber crime trends and warn the public, the FBI today released the following information:

Within the last several months, the FBI has seen a significant increase in fraud involving the exploitation of valid online banking credentials belonging to small and medium businesses, municipal governments, and school districts. In a typical scenario, the targeted entity receives a “spear phishing” e-mail which either contains an infected attachment, or directs the recipient to an infected website.    » read more »

National Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Center Opens

October 30, 2009 -- (Arlington, VA) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) joined Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and other Members of Congress to launch a new cybersecurity center today in Arlington, Virginia.

The National Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) will create a 24-hour watch and warning center to address threats and other incidents involving our nation’s critical infrastructure. The center will be staffed by officials with the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies along with workers from the private sector.    » read more »

October 26, 2009 -- Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that Arkansas will receive $2,081,238 from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications & Information Administration to increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The funds are allocated through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Broadband Data Improvement Act.    » read more »

Comments submitted today supporting Recovery Act grant applications

October 14, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced an important step to implement her strategic initiative to expand access to broadband services to citizens and businesses throughout Michigan. On Wednesday, the state submitted comments to the federal government on grant applications proposing to implement or enhance broadband service to Michigan communities.    » read more »

October 14, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today submitted final comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration concerning proposals for broadband expansion in Maine.

The comments are the final step in a State process to recommend projects for funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will review the recommendations over the coming months and make the decision on funding through the Recovery Act.

In total, the Governor supported $42.7 million in proposed projects recommended by the Broadband Strategy Council and the ConnectME Authority.    » read more »

October 13, 2009 -- The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has released a convenient online directory of Web-based tools, database searches, cost calculators, and interactive maps—all related to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles.

This comprehensive Web page helps users quickly navigate to the 23 tools, maps, and searches available on the Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) Web site for transportation technologies. Users can find the tools page on the AFDC under Information Resources at www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/applications.html.    » read more »

October 6, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Speaker Pelosi applauded today’s announcement that California is among the first four states to receive state broadband mapping grants made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was designed to be both stimulative and transformational to our economy. Central to our efforts to ensure prosperity for all Americans is deploying broadband coast to coast.    » read more »

National Telecommunications And Information Administration Awards $1.2 M. To Vermont

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, Oct. 6) - U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Congressman Peter Welch and Governor Jim Douglas Tuesday welcomed the announcement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, that Vermont has been awarded Vermont a $1.2 million broadband mapping grant. Vermont's grant is one of the first four American Recovery and Reinvestment Act broadband grants to reach the states for broadband mapping, aggregation and infrastructure.    » read more »

October 5, 2009 -- The Federal Register—the 73-year-old official chronicle of White House and Executive agency activities and the public’s window on proposed changes to federal regulations—emerges today in a new 21st Century format that for the first time will allow readers to sift through, reorganize, and electronically customize its daily contents.    » read more »