Internet

Recovery Act Funding to Provide Policymakers and Consumers with Improved Data on Internet Service in California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont

October 5, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded the first four grants under NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program to fund activities in California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont.    » read more »

Nearly 2,200 Diverse Applications Submitted for Share of $4 Billion in Funding to Expand Broadband Access and Adoption

WASHINGTON, August 27, 2009 - The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced today that they received almost 2,200 applications requesting nearly $28 billion in funding for proposed broadband projects reaching all 50 U.S. states and territories and the District of Columbia.    » read more »

Casey announces funding available to expand broadband availability to communities with limited access; sends letter requesting funding workshop in Pennsylvania

July 8, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today announced an open application period for communities to apply for funding to help expand broadband access. Communities can apply for a portion of the $7.2 billion to expand access to broadband services included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These grants and loans help individuals in communities with limited internet capabilities access the information many of us take for granted,” said Senator Casey. “I encourage communities from all over Pennsylvania to apply for this very important funding.”    » read more »

July 8, 2009 -- WASHINGTON - Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) said today that reports of cyber attacks by North Korea are another example of why the United States needs to be better armed to fight these alarming 21st century security threats.

As chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security, Sen. Carper has been pushing to increase protections against just such cyber attacks as those reported this week against U.S. and South Korean government websites.    » read more »

Nixon issues request for partners in competition to win Recovery Act funding for expanding access to high-speed internet; deadline for notice of interest is July 13

July 7, 2009 -- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Citing the pressing need for Missouri citizens and businesses to access information and compete in markets around the globe, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon today announced the state's efforts to recruit businesses and organizations as cooperative partners in a competition for funding that would begin to deliver broadband internet access throughout Missouri.    » read more »

July 1, 2009 -- HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle vetoed HB 1405 today because this legislation has immediate and adverse consequences for residents and businesses of Hawaii. This legislation would place Hawaii companies at a competitive disadvantage. As a consequence of this bill, Hawaii businesses would no longer be able to receive commissions for advertisements on their website that link to numerous national and international firms that offer goods and services to Hawaii residents.    » read more »

June 23, 2009 -- WASHINGTON—By the end of this summer, more than one million older Americans will have fallen into the “doughnut hole”—a coverage gap in Medicare’s prescription drug program that leaves individuals on the hook for all of their own drug costs while still paying premiums. AARP is launching a new online resource to help older Americans avoid this dreaded coverage gap.    » read more »

Introduces legislation mandating airline carrier disclosure on travel websites; Legislation will require online travel websites to alert passengers if the tickets are for regional airline carriers

June 23, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer introduced new legislation requiring online travel websites to notify customers, on the first page after they enter in a search for airline tickets, as to what carriers will be running their flight. Some travel websites already provide this information to customers when they book online, but many do not.    » read more »

June 22, 2009 -- Five individuals pleaded guilty today in federal court in Detroit for their roles in a wide-ranging international stock fraud scheme involving the illegal use of bulk commercial e-mails, or "spamming."    » read more »

Web tool will increase transparency, keep public informed and involved in Recovery Act spending

WASHINGTON – June 22, 2009. Today, HUD announced that it is joining USDA's geospatial project by uploading HUD Recovery Act data into USDA's cutting edge web tool, which will allow Americans to learn how and where HUD is spending money provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).

USDA developed the tool and launched it on the 100th day of the Obama Administration. Since USDA launched the tool, there have had more than 1 and a half million hits.    » read more »

June 22, 2009 -- Washington, DC – At an event at the National Press Club, Surescripts today announced that their annual state rankings and progress reports detailing e-prescribing use and adoption statistics for all 50 states.

Today’s event featured Governor Jim Douglas and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen as co-chairs of the State Alliance for E-Health and as co-hosts of the Fourth Annual Safe-Rx Awards. The State Alliance was created by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices in January 2007 to improve the nation's healthcare system by forming a collaborative body that enables states to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the health information technology initiatives they develop.    » read more »

The scores of all but nine of the 70 countries in the study decline in 2009

17 Jun 2009 -- A sharp deterioration in business environments owing to the economic crisis has taken a toll on countries' e-readiness—their ability to harness ICT for social and economic development. The Economist Intelligence Unit maintains that a stable and transparent business environment is essential to fostering development and utilisation of digital technologies and services.    » read more »

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 17, 2009 -- HP today launched a new online video series offering small and medium business (SMB) owners a breadth of information from sources they know and trust.

Insights from the Experts: Technology Tips for Small Business, a new resource offered in the HP Total Care portfolio, features influential insiders discussing how people can green, mobilize and grow their small businesses.    » read more »

Washington, DC - 06/11/2009 - A majority of American adults look online for health information and most are accessing reviews and comments posted by fellow consumers.

According to a report released today by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project and the California HealthCare Foundation, 61% of adults look online for health information. Of those, 59% have done at least one of the following activities:

* Read someone else's commentary or experience about health or medical issues on an online news group, website, or blog
* Consulted rankings or reviews online of doctors or other providers
* Consulted rankings or reviews online of hospitals or other medical facilities
* Signed up to receive updates about health or medical issues    » read more »

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces New “Waste Watcher” Feature on Governor’s Web Site

06/10/2009 --
In an effort to encourage state employees to report wasteful government practices, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced a new feature called “Waste Watchers” on his Web site at www.gov.ca.gov and his Reporting Transparency in Government Web site.

The Waste Watchers site allows state employees and other Californians to go online and report any government waste they may be aware of, either anonymously or by name. The Administration will monitor the site and investigate submissions.    » read more »