Review of HTC Magic (G2) vs iPhone 3G (and 3G S): Techie expert extraordinaire Nicholas Moline compares the upcoming T-Mobile G2 (HTC Magic) with the iPhone 3G, which has the new iPhone 3.0 Software. Nick ran detailed and thorough tests of each Smartphone's usability and functionality, and he highlights the respective range of features, including bar code readers, removable memory, cameras, GPS, touchscreens, email, web access, and lots more. He also shares his thoughts about which gadget delivers the best applications for users.

• Army Working Capital Fund: Actions Needed to Improve Budgeting for Carryover at Army Ordnance, GAO-09-415, June 10, 2009
• Environmental Contamination: Lessons Learned from the Cleanup of Formerly Used Defense and Military Munitions Sites, GAO-09-779T, June 10, 2009
• VA Real Property: VA Emphasizes Enhanced-Use Leases to Manage Its Real Property Portfolio, GAO-09-776T, June 10, 2009
• Voters With Disabilities: More Polling Places Had No Potential Impediments Than in 2000, but Challenges Remain, GAO-09-685, June 10, 2009
• Telecommunications: Broadband Deployment Plan Should Include Performance Goals and Measures to Guide Federal Investment, GAO-09-494, May 12, 2009

"New data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that 62 percent of households reported using Internet access in the home in 2007, an increase from 18 percent in 1997, the first year the bureau collected data on Internet use. Sixty-four percent of individuals 18 and over used the Internet from any location in 2007, while only 22 percent did so in 1997. Among households using the Internet in 2007, 82 percent reported using a high-speed connection, and 17 percent used a dial-up connection."

Burney's Legal Tech Reviews: A Review of the CradlePoint PHS300 mobile broadband router and the Canary Wireless Digital Hotspotter - Mobile traveler Brett Burney describes how he uses his laptop and iPhone, both of which connect beautifully to Wi-Fi networks, to create his own little hotspot by plugging his Verizon Wireless USB760 modem into the PHS300 and turning it on. Within 5-10 seconds, the PHS300 is broadcasting a private, secure Wi-Fi hotspot that his laptop and iPhone connect to immediately.

The Mobile Difference, by John Horrigan, March 25, 2009

The Army's Wireless Communications Programs, February 12, 2009 Letter to the Honorable Neil Abercrombie

Where to watch Obama’s presidential inauguration online: Links to more than a dozen sources, from news and social media sites as well as bloggers. Of course, the networks will also be "televising" the inaugural, live.
See also:

News release: "The music industry must move away from the retail CD as its primary revenue generator before Christmas 2009, according to Gartner. Gartner said that reliance on revenue from the sale of prerecorded CDs is hindering the music industry from fully embracing online distribution opportunities...Enabling the transition away from retail music CDs toward online distribution is now in sight, given that 77 percent of U.S. households (a total of 96 million connections) will have broadband connections by 2012. Beyond these consumers, the alternative distribution afforded by Wi-Fi-enabled notebooks and rapidly improving media-enabled mobile phones pose opportunities that provide multiple paths for marketing, promotion and distribution outside the consumer’s home."

National Health Interview Survey Early Release Report: "Preliminary results from the January-June 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) indicate that the number of American homes with only wireless telephones continues to grow. More than one out of every six American homes (17.5%) had only wireless telephones during the first half of 2008, an increase of 1.7 percentage points since the second half of 2007. In addition, more than one out of every eight American homes (13.3%) received all or almost all calls on wireless telephones despite having a landline telephone in the home. This report presents the most up-to-date estimates available from the federal government concerning the size and characteristics of these populations."

News release: "In 2007, statistics show that about 84% of the US population subscribed to a form of wireless mobile phone service. At any given time, about 6% of travelers on the road are talking on a cell phone, while 10% of teen drivers are talking or texting. Researchers have shown that using mobile phones while driving is four times as likely to get into crashes, and the increased crash risk is similar for hands-free and hand-held phones."

News release: "In its continuing efforts to promote efficient use of spectrum and to extend the benefits of such use to the public, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted a Second Report and Order (Second R&O) that establishes rules to allow new, sophisticated wireless devices to operate in broadcast television spectrum on a secondary basis at locations where that spectrum is open. (This unused TV spectrum is now commonly referred to as television “white spaces”). The rules adopted today will allow for the use of these new and innovative types of unlicensed devices in the unused spectrum to provide broadband data and other services for consumers and businesses.

The rules represent a careful first step to permit the operation of unlicensed devices in the TV white spaces and include numerous safeguards to protect incumbent services against harmful interference. The rules will allow for both fixed and personal/portable unlicensed devices. Such devices must include a geolocation capability and provisions to access over the Internet a data base of the incumbent services, such as full power and low power TV stations and cable system headends, in addition to spectrum-sensing technology. The data base will tell the white space device what spectrum may be used at that location."

News release, September 29, 2008: "Europe could take the lead in the next generation of the Internet. The European Commission today outlined the main steps that Europe has to take to respond to the next wave of the Information Revolution that will intensify in the coming years due to trends such as social networking, the decisive shift to on-line business services, nomadic services based on GPS and mobile TV and the growth of smart tags. The report shows that Europe is well placed to exploit these trends because of its policies to support open and pro-competitive telecom networks as well as privacy and security. A public consultation has been launched today by the Commission on the policy and private sector responses to these opportunities. The Commission report also unveils a new Broadband Performance Index (BPI) that compares national performance on key measures such as broadband speed, price, competition and coverage. Sweden and the Netherlands top this European broadband league, which complements the more traditional broadband penetration index used so far by telecoms regulators."

• The Commission Communication on Future networks and the Internet
  
• The public consultation on the Internet of Things
  
• Press factsheet: Broadband Performance Index - Monitoring high-speed Internet access in the EU

Chris Harrelson, Tech Lead & Creator of Google Transit: "We've just added comprehensive transit info for the entire New York metro region, encompassing subway, commuter rail, bus and ferry services from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New Jersey Transit and the City of New York. That means this information is now at the fingertips of the more than 20 million people who live in and around New York (not to mention the millions of people who visit the region every year). The MTA is the largest transportation agency in the U.S., serving one in every three users of mass transit in the country."

• Step by step Google Transit instructions via this YouTube video
  
• New York Times: Google Transit Expands to New York
  
• "Google Maps for mobile makes it easy to get public transit directions while you're out and about in more than 50 cities worldwide. Quickly access information for subway, bus, and train routes."

News release: "A new study from The Nielsen Company says that more than 20 million U.S. telephone households (17 percent) are wireless substitutors — homes without landlines that rely solely on a mobile phone for their home telecommunications."

• Call My Cell: Wireless Substitution in the United States, September 2008
  
• News release: "JupiterResearch..has found that wireless subscriber growth is slowing due to market saturation, with US carriers adding only 26 million new subscribers in the next five years to reach 266 million in 2013. Adoption by teens and young adults will become nearly ubiquitous as the majority of the demographic already have cell phones, and 31 percent of parents with children ages 10 to 12 reported that their children also have cell phones...cell phones are evolving from a one-to-one communication platform into a one-to-many platform as online users migrate toward social networks as a center of communication. Although this transition is just beginning, its impact on the mobile data market is significant."

Teenagers: A Generation Unplugged - A National Survey by CTIA–The Wireless Association® and Harris Interactive: "As the wireless industry celebrates the upcoming 25th anniversary of the first commercial cell phone call (October 13, 1983), this in-depth online study of more than 2,000 teenagers around the nation sheds new light on how today’s teens feel about wireless products and services, how they are using them today and most importantly, how they would like to use them in the future. A growing wireless segment, teens view their cell phones as more than just an accessory."

USDOJ: "Enhanced 911 systems would accommodate calls from Internet Protocol (IP)-enabled phones under rules proposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Electronic 911 (e-911) calls are routed to about 6,000 call centers nationwide (known as public safety answering points) using various technical protocols to identify the caller's location and the appropriate answering point to handle the call. FCC published a notice of proposed rulemaking on August 25, 2008 with the goal of ensuring that voice-over-IP (VOIP) service providers have access to the capabilities they need to provide 911 and e-911 services. FCC officials say the proposed rule is part of their effort to comply with provisions of the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008, which became law on July 23, 2008."

The Kindle for Professional Researchers: DC based journalist Cheryl Miller offers seven good reasons to buy this gadget seemingly tailor-made for dedicated readers, but she also provides caveats worth your attention.

"W3C...announced new standards that will make it easier for people to browse the Web on mobile devices. Mobile Web Best Practices 1.0, published as a W3C Recommendation by the Mobile Web Best Practices Working Group, condenses the experience of many mobile Web stakeholders into practical advice on creating mobile-friendly content. These guidelines will help to improve the experience of people browsing the Web on a wide array of mobile handsets."

• FOIA Facts: My Proposals for the FOIA: Following up on the passage earlier this year of the OPEN Government Act of 2007, FOIA expert Scott A. Hodes make two proposals absent from the law, but which would help FOIA requesters. — Published June 29, 2008
• 60 Gadgets in 60 Minutes - Three techie gurus (Barbara Fullerton, Ed Vawter, and Dina Dreifuerst) take you on a whirlwind, freewheeling virtual trip of the latest, greatest, fun, fanciful, must have gadgets available now and in the near future. — Published June 24, 2008
• Competitive Intelligence - A Selective Resource Guide - Sabrina I. Pacifici's revised and updated pathfinder focuses on leveraging selected reliable, focused, free and low cost sites and sources to effectively profile and monitor companies, markets, countries, people, and issues. This guide is a "best of list" of web and database products, services and tools, as well links to reliable sources produced by governments, academia, NGOs, the media and various publishers. — Published June 1, 2008

White Space Devices & The Battle Over Innovation: Public Access vs. Industry Control of the Airwaves, By Sascha Meinrath, New America Foundation, June 2008

News release: "Sixty-five million Americans depend on broadband services for work, education, entertainment and communications. But too many other Americans have no access to broadband services, according to a new telecom industry survey. Aggravating the country's broadband gap is the current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) definition of broadband, 200 kilobits per second. At that rate, it takes longer to download a movie than to watch it. The survey, commissioned by Tellabs, reflects responses from 451 readers of leading U.S. telecom publications."

Press release: "...AirTight® Networks, the global leader for wireless intrusion prevention systems...issued the findings from its study to assess information security risk exposure of laptop users at fourteen airports in the United States, Canada and Asia. The company set out to understand the risks to business travelers and their corporate networks of data leakage while those airline passengers are sending sensitive information using unsecured wireless access points while at the airports. It found surprising results, however, regarding the security posture of private Wi-Fi networks in these airports as well as the rapid spread of viral Wi-Fi networks.

One of the most surprising findings of this initial study was that some ticketing systems, baggage systems, shops and restaurants were using open or poorly secured wireless networks. Of the Wi-Fi networks detected by AirTight researchers, 77 percent were non-hotspot (i.e. private) networks and of those, 80 percent were unsecured or using legacy WEP encryption, a fatally flawed protocol. Based on detailed analysis of these access points, there is a high probability that some of these networks are used for critical airport logistics and operations. The consequences of this lack of security could result in disruption of baggage or passenger ticketing systems."

Electronic Frontier Foundation: "Three powerful House Commerce Committee Chairmen strongly urged their colleagues Thursday to defer acting on requests for retroactive immunity and to demand more information from the White House and the telecommunications companies in the wake of disclosures by another whistleblower that the government apparently has been granted an open gateway to customer information and calls by a major telecommunications company."

• March 6, 2008 Dear Colleague letter, written by John Dingell, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce; Ed Markey, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet; and Bart Stupak, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations: "..Yesterday another whistleblower stepped forward with troubling charges that at least one major wireless telecommunications giant may have given a Congressional entity access to every communications coming through that company's infrastructure, including every e-mail, Internet use, document transmission, video and text message, as well as the ability to listen in on any phone call."


• Related postings on domestic surveillance program

CODENOMICON White Paper - Wireless Security: Past, Present and Future, by Sami Petäjäsoja, Tommi Mäkilä, Mikko Varpiola, Miikka Saukko and Ari Takanen, Version 1.0, February 1st, 2008

Fact Sheet: "The Connectivity Scorecard is a groundbreaking new global information and communications technology (ICT) measure that ranks countries on the approximately 30 indicators of connectivity -- including broadband, fixed-line, mobile and computing technologies -- that contribute to the enhancement of a country’s social and economic prosperity. The Scorecard was created by Leonard Waverman, professor of economics at London Business School, and conducted under his direction by economic consulting firm LECG. It was commissioned by Nokia Siemens Networks to examine the contribution of connectivity to economic growth and positive social outcomes, and to draw conclusions from how individual countries score on the Index."

Top 60 Little-Known Technology Web Sites, By Charles Babcock, Thomas Claburn, John Foley, W. David Gardner, Antone Gonsalves, Nicholas J. Hoover, K.C. Jones, Elena Malykhina, Richard Martin, Paul McDougall, Marianne McGee, Chris Murphy, Cora Nucci, Art Wittman, and Serdar Yegulalp, InformationWeek, January 26, 2008

"The Center for the Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School is pleased to present the results [full report/purchase only] of the seventh year of our project, Surveying the Digital Future [highlights]. The seven years of longitudinal research comprise an absolutely unique data base that completely captures broadband at home, the wireless Internet, on-line media, user-generated content and, now, social networking. This year's report contains a large module looking at on-line communities and social networking in great detail. Readers can compare the social networking data and correlate it to seven years of attitudes and behaviors on-line. As usual, the report continues to track off-line media use, purchasing both off-line and through e-commerce, social and political activity and a wealth of other data."

Background: "The proposed architecture of the 787 is different from that of existing production (and retrofitted) airplanes. It allows new kinds of passenger connectivity to previously isolated data networks connected to systems that perform functions required for the safe operation of the airplane. Because of this new passenger connectivity, the proposed data network design and integration may result in security vulnerabilities from intentional or unintentional corruption of data and systems critical to the safety and maintenance of the airplane. The existing regulations and guidance material did not anticipate this type of system architecture or electronic access to aircraft systems that provide flight critical functions. Furthermore, 14 CFR regulations and current system safety assessment policy and techniques do not address potential security vulnerabilities that could be caused by unauthorized access to aircraft data buses and servers. Therefore, special conditions are imposed to ensure that security, integrity, and availability of the aircraft systems and data networks are not compromised by certain wired or wireless electronic connections between airplane data buses and networks." Federal Register: January 2, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 1)][Rules and Regulations][Page 27-29]

Verizon press release: "Verizon Wireless today announced that it will provide customers the option to use, on its nationwide wireless network, wireless devices, software and applications not offered by the company. Verizon Wireless plans to have this new choice available to customers throughout the country by the end of 2008."

The Future of Reading, by Steven Levy, Newsweek, November 17, 2007: "...the Kindle...has the dimensions of a paperback, with a tapering of its width that emulates the bulge toward a book's binding. It weighs but 10.3 ounces, and unlike a laptop computer it does not run hot or make intrusive beeps....with the use of E Ink, a breakthrough technology of several years ago that mimes the clarity of a printed book, the Kindle's six-inch screen posts readable pages... (The Kindle gets as many as 30 hours of reading on a charge, and recharges in two hours.)...E-book devices like the Kindle allow you to change the font size: aging baby boomers will appreciate that every book can instantly be a large-type edition. The handheld device can also hold several shelves' worth of books: 200 of them onboard, hundreds more on a memory card and a limitless amount in virtual library stacks maintained by Amazon. Also, the Kindle [costs $399] allows you to search within the book for a phrase or name...Some of those features have been available on previous e-book devices, notably the Sony Reader. The Kindle's real breakthrough springs from a feature that its predecessors never offered: wireless connectivity, via a system called Whispernet. (It's based on the EVDO broadband service offered by cell-phone carriers, allowing it to work anywhere, not just Wi-Fi hotspots.)"

Press release, November 15, 2007: "IT security and control firm Sophos has revealed new research into the use of other people's Wi-Fi networks to piggyback onto the internet without payment. The research, carried out by Sophos on behalf of The Times, shows that 54 percent of computer users have admitted breaking the law, by using someone else's wireless internet access without permission. According to Sophos, many internet-enabled homes fail to properly secure their wireless connection with passwords and encryption, allowing freeloading passers-by and neighbours to steal internet access rather than paying an Internet Service Provide (ISP) for their own. In addition, while businesses often have security measures in place to protect the Wi-Fi networks within their offices from attack, Sophos experts note that remote users working from home could prove to be a weak link in corporate defenses."

FCC press release, July 31, 2007: "In a Second Report & Order (Order) adopted today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revised the 700 MHz band plan and service rules to promote the creation of a nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety and to facilitate the availability of new and innovative wireless broadband services for consumers. The 700 MHz Band spectrum, which runs from 698-806 MHz, currently is occupied by television broadcasters and will be made available for other wireless services, including public safety and commercial services, as a result of the digital television (DTV) transition. The Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005 (DTV Act) set a firm deadline of February 17, 2009, for the completion of the DTV transition. The DTV Act also requires the FCC to commence an auction of the previously unauctioned commercial spectrum in the 700 MHz Band no later than January 28, 2008."

Follow up to May 14, 2007 posting, Nearly 16% of U.S. Homes Have No Landline Phone, see also these related studies:

Press release: "Fully 85% of American adults use the internet or cell phones – and most use both. Many also have broadband connections, digital cameras and video game systems. Yet the proportion of adults who exploit the connectivity, the capacity for self expression, and the interactivity of modern information technology is a modest 8%."

NTIA Fact Sheet: "In their recent announcement ranking countries on their broadband penetration, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) fails to take into consideration tens of millions of United States broadband users, including students, employees of corporations and United States Government employees, to name a few. Additionally, by neglecting to count mobile wireless in its broadband numbers, the OECD overlooks the fastest growing segment of broadband subscriptions in the marketplace today. The Administration will work with OECD in identifying these methodology shortfalls.
Putting OECD numbers in perspective, the United States is:
#1 Total number of Broadband subscribers – 64.6 million
(Sources: FCC status as of June 2006 and PointTopic as of 4Q06)
#1 Total number of Internet Users – 211 million
(Source: Internet World Stats, March 2007)
#1 Total number of Wi-Fi Hotspots – 49,733
(Source: JiWire.com, April 2007)

Free WSL article looks at Texting When There's Trouble: "The ubiquity of relatively new technologies allows electronic alerts to reach more people faster than ever before. In the aftermath of several recent disasters -- including the tsunami in South Asia, Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast, and the terrorist attacks in New York, London and Madrid -- a growing number of governments, communities, school systems and universities have begun using automated electronic-alert systems that can send voice, email or text messages to residents and students, in addition to traditional broadcast emergency messages. The services mean that people no longer need to be listening to radio, watching TV, logged on to their email or near a home phone to be warned of trouble."

On April 16, 2007 Barbara Fullerton, Manager, Librarian Relations, 10-K Wizard, Sabrina Pacifici, Editor & Publisher, LLRX.com and beSpacific.com and Aaron Schmidt, Director, North Plains Public Library, presented their always popular round-robin Gadgets presentation at Computers in Libraries 2007.

WSJ free feature: Priority of Emergency Networks - FCC Weighs Responders' Needs Against Commercial-Spectrum Use: "Spurred by huge communications gaps during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, debate has raged on Capitol Hill, at the FCC and within the telecommunications industry over how much valuable radio spectrum should be set aside to meet emergency services' needs and how much to sell for commercial use."

Progress Report on Development of the Integrated Wireless Network in the Department of Justice, Audit Report 07-25, March 2007: "Just to replace DOJ’s antiquated legacy wireless communications equipment would cost DOJ approximately $900 million. However, the DOJ will require more than twice that amount to fund its share of IWN. Consequently, for the DOJ, DHS, and Treasury to complete IWN as planned, a major infusion of funding will be required over the next several years."

Harmony Helps: A Progress Report on State Government Internet Presence - March 2007 - "This brief explores how state web portals have matured and examines the impact of the 2003 expansion of the dot-gov domain to state and local governments; trends in state portal domain naming conventions; trends in Internet portal branding and marketing; the alignment of agency websites and state email addressing with the state portal; areas of cross-boundary collaboration for online services; and areas for future progress in cross-boundary collaboration for online services."

"The Pew Internet & American Life Project has just released a report that 34% of internet users have logged onto the internet using a wireless connection either around the house, at their workplace, or some place else. The report profiles these wireless users and describes their intensive use of the internet, especially in exchanging emails and getting news online."

Deloitte Telecommunications Predictions 2007 (TMT Trends 2007) - "This study examines 10 emerging developments sure to make 2007 another eventful year for the telecommunications industry":

1. "Reaching the limits of cyberspace—growth in video traffic on the "superhighway" means the Internet is approaching gridlock.
2. The net neutrality debate needs resolution—the Internet, fundamental freedom for all or a tiered, toll-based enterprise?
3. The broadband appliance unlocks the Internet for everyone—sidestepping the PC via new, small devices will promote future growth in Internet penetration.
4. Long live mobile video (just forget the television)—moving video content from the phone and onto bigger screens is far more likely to reap profits than trying to squeeze television onto mobile phones.
5. It’s mobile, but not as we knew it—network operators need to shake things up as mobile moves indoors.
6. The case for innovation, not imitation, in IPTV—IPTV needs to develop an original offer of television, not be a pale imitation of what currently exists.
7. The kilobyte is the killer application—bigger is not always better, as kilobyte-sized applications show.
8. The double-edged sword of triple play—failure to deliver a consistent quality of service across all their bundled offerings could cost operators dearly.
9. The connectivity chasms deepen—in the expanding digital divide, if you do not have voice, you may not have a voice.
10. The rising cost of free telecommunications—the "free lunch" in telecommunications may cause indigestion for some."

Federal Chief Information Officer Council Strategic Plan FY 2007-2009 (28 pages, PDF), January 17, 2007.

Table of Contents for LLRX.com - January 15, 2007 issue:

"The Center for the Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School has been tracking a representative sample of the American population for over six years watching as people move on-line and then move from modems to broadband."

Will Knight at New Scientist reports the research by Professor Markus Jakobsson and grad student Jacob Ratkiewicz, Indiana University, indicates "...one in 10 internet users may be lured into handing over sensitive personal information such as a credit card number, by fraudulent "phishing" emails..." and "that some survey participants may not have realised that they have been stung by a phishing scam, or may simply be too embarrassed to admit to it."

FTC press release, October 10, 2006: "Improving consumer access to broadband Internet service is an important goal for federal, state, and local governments. The possibility of competitive risks arising from municipal participation in wireless Internet service, however, calls for a careful analysis by policymakers considering if, and to what extent, a municipality should involve itself in such service, according to a report prepared by Federal Trade Commission staff."

AmLaw Tech Survey: Law Firms Play Variations on Old Themes - "The 11th annual survey finds firms expanding IT while adopting new versions of old standards."

As reported by Mike Shields: "Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive has launched made-for-mobile versions of the Web sites for three of its largest properties, including WashingtonPost.com, Newsweek.com and Slate.com as part of a new mobile services initiative at the company. The sites are available free of charge for any users that have a Web-enabled handset by logging onto the addresses mobile.washingtonpost.com, mobile.slate.com and mobile.newsweek.com."

Press release: Carnegie Mellon CyLab researchers create new system to address phishing fraud [ZDNet]

"You can watch Wi-Fi TV in most places around the world (including the USA) for free on any Internet enabled device."

ABCNews Wireless America: "As a service to ABCNEWS.com readers, we've compiled a list of public Wi-Fi access points in the nation's 30 most populous cities."

M-06-16, Protection of Sensitive Agency Information, June 23, 2006 (10 pages, PDF)

WSJ free feature: New Domain Name -- .Mobi -- Could Spur Wireless Web

Press release, May 19, 2006: "U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced legislation that would preserve the open and democratic character of the Internet. The Internet Freedom Preservation Act (9 pages, PDF) would ensure that all content, applications and services are treated equally and fairly on the Internet by prohibiting broadband network operators from blocking, degrading, or prioritizing service on their networks. Rules to that effect were in place when the Federal Communications Commission reclassified broadband services, but the FCC neglected to adopt meaningful and enforceable safeguards."

Press release: "Wireless Internet access can free you from the confines of cords, but not from the need for security. Without taking the proper precautions, it's easy for others to use your wireless network connection to access the Internet, or even to access the information on your own computer. The Federal Trade Commission is introducing a new section of OnGuard Online to teach computer users how to protect their personal wireless network connections – and the computers on them – from unauthorized use. The information also is available in Spanish."

ComputerWorld reports that Westchester County in New York is the first county in the nation to require all businesses with wireless networks that collect consumer related data to use "minimun security measures."

The Implementation of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, Audit Report 06-13, [Redacted] March 2006 (PDF)

Press release: Carnegie Mellon Researchers Find Cell Phones Pose Greater Risk to Airplane Navigation Than Previously Believed

Following up on one, two, three recent posting related to increasing focus on issues related to net neutrality, open access, and e-commerce, see an article today from AP: Future of the Internet Highway Debated. It includes a discussion of the commercial, technical and socio-political issues associated with Internet traffic management (packet prioritization - ) the ability to specify different priority levels for different applications).

New York Times: Too Many New Gadgets, Too Much Information at Risk: Loss, theft and viruses are major issues as corporate use of handheld devices and pocket PCs increases. Pre-emptive security options are available however, as this article describes.

Follow-up to February 2, 2006 posting, Commentary on Forces Competing to Determine "Digital Destiny", this related article from the UK Times Onlines - Rumours mount over Google's internet plan, by Benjamin Cohen: "Google is working on a project to create its own global internet protocol (IP) network, a private alternative to the internet controlled by the search giant, according to sources who are in commercial negotiation with the company."

Press release: Wireless Networking in the Developing World - a practical guide to planning and building low-cost wireless infrastructure: "The book covers topics from basic radio physics and network design to equipment and troubleshooting. It is intended to be a comprehensive resource for technologists in the developing world, providing the critical information that they need to build networks. This includes specific examples, diagrams and calculations, which are intended to help building wireless networks without requiring access to the Internet." Available for free download (PDF).

"Your Google personalized homepage puts the information you care about on one web page -- and now you can access that page on your mobile phone or device, in a phone-friendly format that's easy to read and navigate."

America's Most Literate Cities, 2005: Seattle, WA ranked as the number one city for Internet literacy, defined in terms of "Internet resources available to the population." These resources include library Internet connections, commercial and public WiFi access, Internet book orders, and reading newspapers on the Internet.

Who's Afraid of Google? Everyone, by Kevin Kelleher. "It seems no one is safe: Google is doing Wi-Fi; Google is searching inside books; Google has a plan for ecommerce."

Press release: "House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi unveiled the House Democrats new Innovation Agenda: A Commitment to Competitiveness to Keep America #1 (12 pages, PDF) in a speech at the National Press Club this morning.

Hale, Robert V., Wi-Fi Liability: Potential Legal Risks in Accessing and Operating Wireless Internet. Santa Clara Computer and High Technology Law Journal, Vol. 21, p. 543.

Many Hotels Quit Charging For Web Access - Discount Chains Lead Push, But Some Swanky Spots Balk; Where It's Free, Where It's Not (WSJ, sub. req'd)

"Radio Response is a group of volunteer IT professionals founded by Mac Dearman and dedicated to establishing an emergency communications infrastructure and currently working in the areas affected by hurricane Katrina. Beneficiaries of our work include shelters, medical centers,and relief organizations. All of our work is non-profit."

Press release: "EarthLink...today announced that it has been selected by Wireless Philadelphia to develop and implement the nation's largest municipal Wi-Fi broadband network. Wireless Philadelphia expands the City of Philadelphia's leadership position of using wireless technology to meet the needs of its residents and also enhance the City's progressive visitor, tourism and business environment."

Press release, August 16, 2006: "San Francisco, CA – Following through on a pledge made in last year's State of the City address, Mayor Gavin Newsom today launched a new initiative to provide universal, affordable wireless broadband access to all San Franciscans at no cost or minimal cost to the City and residents."

Katrina: The Sounds of Communications Silence, by John Wohlstetter, Discovery Institute, September 22, 2005:

From the Order, released September 23, 2005: "In this Order, we conclude that the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) applies to facilities-based broadband Internet access providers and providers of interconnected voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. This Order is the first critical step to apply CALEA obligations to new technologies and services that are increasingly relied upon by the American public to meet their communications needs."

Following-up on previous postings that address the growing controversy and concern surrounding internet and wireless surveillance by the government, see also this recent article by Trey Popp.

From NASCIO's New Series of Research Briefs on the Privacy Implications of Emerging State Technologies

Press release from the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: A proposed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule to allow the use of cell phones on commercial aircraft received bipartisan criticism during a Congressional oversight hearing today...any change to the existing ban on aircraft cell phone use would require the approval of both the FAA and FCC. Although Nick Sabatini, Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety at the Federal Aviation Administration, indicated that the FAA has no intention of lifting its ban on the use of cell phones and other wireless devices, he said the FAA would consider allowing airlines to offer such services on a case-by-case basis if they demonstrate that pico cell, WiFi networks and other new communications technologies do not generate interference with avionics." The press release also includes quotes from statements made by witnesses.

From the Christian Science Monitor, Can you be found anywhere, anytime? reviews how GPS, TV and wireless signals can be used to track your location.

Wired reports today that the DOJ, FBI and DHS filed comments (23 pages, PDF) with the FCC seeking authority to require carriers to supply access to passenger in-flight communications "processed to and from broadband enabled communications devices onboard aircraft operating with United States airspace...," that they further require to be recorded by the carriers, once a threat determination has been made.

FCC press release: High-Speed Connections to the Internet Increased 34% During 2004 for a Total of 38 Million Lines in Service. The report (25 pages, PDF).

S. 1350: A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to protect the privacy rights of subscribers to wireless communications services.

David Pogue provides details on how a pricey, private and very fast WiFi access option is now available to business travelers who need to work wherever they may be...on the road, or at the beach, or in the airport.

Consumer Reports WebWatch Investigations - Wireless Networks Offer Flexibility, Potential Snooping, offers a quick overview of security issue and makes recommendations on enabling safety solutions for home and on the road.

Information Security: Federal Agencies Need to Improve Controls over Wireless Networks GAO-05-383, May 17, 2005. Highlights.

From today's WSJ free features, 'Evil Twins' and 'Pharming' - Hackers Use Two New Tricks To Steal Online Identities; Scams Are Harder to Detect.

From the New York Times, Internet Phones Arrive at Home (And Some Need No Computer)

From the New York Times, "A Special Issue of Circuits (reg. req'd) - In the first of six stand-alone sections, Circuits looks at the latest gadgets and services designed to help users get the most out of cellphones, laptops, P.D.A.'s and home networks."

802.11 Wireless Security Primer - Presentation by John MacMichael (84 pages, PDF)

"This page features links to World Wide Web sites, PowerPoint slideshows, and other electronic resources used in support of presentations at Computers in Libraries 2005. Links are provided at the discretion of presenters. Additional links will be provided as they become available."

New Poll Shows Air Travelers Are Strongly Opposed to Lifting the Ban on Cell Phones in Flight, April 7, 2005.

From tom's networking (Jim Ray's links), this article reviews and documents a recent FBI demonstration of how quickly experts can hack a 128-bit WEP (wired equivalent privacy) key.

Growth of Wireless Internet Opens New Path for Thieves

Press release: "Today IBM announced the results from its 2004 Global Business Security Index Report and provided an early look at potential security threats in 2005. Based on early indicators, a new and troubling trend this year may be the aggressive spread of viruses and worms to handheld devices, cell phones, wireless networks, and embedded computers, which include car and satellite communication systems." [thanks David Ries]

FCC press release: "On February 7, with the cooperation of wireless carriers, the Commission published on its Web site a list of mail domain names used to send messages to wireless service. This list is to protect cellular and wireless consumers from unwanted commercial electronic mail messages by alerting marketers to which Internet domain names are used in the electronic addresses of wireless service subscribers."

From the New Millennium Research Council, Washington, D.C., a report co-authored by six telecom experts, 'Not In The Public Interest – the Myth of Municipal Wi-Fi Networks' - Why Municipal Schemes to Provide Wi-Fi Broadband Service With Public Funds Are Ill-Advised, February 2005. (40 pages, PDF)

Drivers on Cell Phones Kill Thousands, Snarl Traffic: "Cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year.."

"Rand McNally Traffic helps you avoid the delays with real-time traffic information, speed maps, and data on your phone...Access unlimited real-time information (compiled from multiple sources) in 94 metro areas." [Link]

Securing Your Starbucks Experience, by Wayne Rash. See also this related article by Wayne,
Five Tips For Boosting Wireless Security.

Security Focus has an in-depth report on how a Hacker penetrates T-Mobile systems and steals personal data, including social security numbers, emails, photos and Secret Service documents. [via David Reis]

Free WiFi access already available on Capitol Hill will be expanded in 2005 to include the area around the National Mall.

Related Resources:

A new white paper by Dr. Carsten Sørensen of the London School of Economics (in conjunction with Microsoft UK), titled The Future Role of Trust in Work - The Key Success Factor for Mobile Productivity. According to InfoWorld, the report indicates "that managers are using technologies such as e-mail, mobile phones, and SMS (Short Messaging Service) to keep tabs on employees when in actuality they are reducing workers' productivity and the amount of time that they spend serving customers."

The following resources, from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), reference the FCC's proposed rule, published in the Federal Register September 23, 2003, on the Communications for Law Enforcement Assistance Act (CALEA).

Planning a trip, and looking for free wireless access? See the BestWiFi Hotels 2004.

From Government Computer News, a review of how DHS has adopted a policy for deploying secure wireless networks within government agencies. The article also provides a useful checklist, ABCs of wireless security guide.

From the press release: "The AOL/ NCSA Online Safety Study (9 pages, PDF) – conducted by technical experts in the homes of 329 typical dial-up and broadband computer users – found that most computer users think they are safe but lack basic protections against viruses, spyware, hackers, and other online threats. In addition, large majorities of home computer users have been infected with viruses and spyware and remain highly vulnerable to future infections. Yet at the same time, most keep sensitive personal and financial information on their computers."

"Google SMS (Short Message Service) enables you to easily get precise answers to specialized queries from your mobile phone or device. Send your query as a text message and get phone book listings, dictionary definitions, product prices and more. Just text. No links. No web pages. Simply the answers you're looking to find." [Link to the FAQ page]

From Government Computer News: According to the Senate's CIO, "We’re implementing what we need to accomplish the vision of giving senators, staffs and committees the ability to do their job anytime, anywhere and under any circumstances..."

"First Lawsuit Over Cell Phone Spam - Legal ambiguity doesn't stop Verizon Wireless from slapping text-message spammers with unprecedented litigation." [Link via Slashdot]

"Airlines, airports battle over Wi-Fi spectrum oversight." [Link]

As a follow-up to my recent posting, Baltimore Circuit Ct. Institutes WiFi Access, this news from "across the pond" of WiFi hotspots now available at the Royal Courts of Justice (UK).

Baltimore courthouses join wireless age. See also this press release, which states "the Baltimore City State's Attorney’s Office has joined with the Baltimore City Circuit Court to provide a wireless Internet subscription service to attorneys and courthouse visitors."

Google may be heading deep into Microsoft's territory"...Google intends to extend information-searching in many directions: Mobile applications for wireless gadgets, more effective online shopping and social networking are all obvious applications of its technology."

PIP Data Memo: The rise of wireless connectivity and our latest findings:

"The Wi-Fi-FreeSpot™ Directory is a listing of Wi-Fi locations that offer Free Wireless Internet Access - Wi-Fi - utilizing 802.11 technology. The locations listed...are business locations like cafes, restaurants, coffeeshops, hotels, airports, downtown business districts, malls, retail stores, etc." [Link via Ex Libris]

Reps. Markey, Pitts Introduce Wireless 411 Privacy Bill to Protect Consumers:

Cutting the Tether: Great Resources on Wireless, offers a dozen tips and links by Dennis Kennedy.

From Federal Computer News, this interesting article about the adoption of wireless laptops to expand information exchange between Syracuse, New York police officers in their vehicles and civilian counterparts in the office.

As a follow-up to my recent posting on radio frequency ID tags in consumer goods, here is an article, WhereWare, that describes how wireless devices (notebooks, PDAs, cell phones) will be used as location tools to track their "owners every movement."

ABA Survey of Technology Use by Law Faculty - ABA Section on Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar Technology Committee (636 law faculty responded.) Posted today on technoids.

Microsoft has released into beta testing its speech server and said it will launch a partner program for solution providers building speech applications.

From the New York Times, another article on the continuing saga of Congress and their fixation with the BlackBerry wireless handhelds. As noted in my previous posting, loyalty to this Canadian device is under significant challenge from a patent infringement dispute with NTP Inc. Time will tell whether Congress will establish a new allegiance with perhaps a very eager Palm, dependent upon the outcome of the lawsuit.

A new report from the Internet Access Devices Service, Multimedia and Wireless Functionality: Changing the Way Consumers Perceive PDAs ($$$), summarized in this press release, indicates that the market for multi-functional handheld devices that include web access will continue to grow over the course of the next several years, outpacing the demand for PCs.

Forbes offers worried Blackberry users a review of alternative products which may come in handy in light of the current legal battle underway between Research In Motion and NTP.

As noted in my January 17 posting, BlackBerry parent Research in Motion is involved in a patent infringement dispute in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia with NTP Inc., that may result in an end to Blackberry's rein over the wireless handheld market. Today's New York Times reports that NTP Inc. filed new court documents last week citing Research in Motion's "unfair" lobbying of the Patent and Trademark Office to re-examine disputed patents in the case.

The House BlackBerry communication program, initiated in 2001, provided all members with the device, and paid for the associated e-mail service (to the tune of $6 million). The adoption of this wireless technology was related to the events of 9/11.

However, Congress is now caught in an uncomfortable position concerning its continued use of the Blackberries, as reported today by the Washington Post. A patent infringement case between BlackBerry's Canadian parent, Research in Motion (RIM) and NTP Inc., threatens to force the removal of the devices. In an unusual action, James M. Eagen III, Chief Administrative Officer, U.S. House of Representatives, requested that the parties seek a resolution allowing Congress to keep their Blackberries.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Amtrak will run a test in October offering high-speed wireless Web access to travelers who stop at Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York, sponsored by the state of Pennsylvania and the ISP, NRoute Communications.