It's the System Governing Broadband that needs the Overhaul!: [23rd Nov 2009]

>>> Albany Governor David Paterson, has appointed 13 people to serve on the New York Broadband Development and Deployment Council. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, including private industry and municipal and State government, they are all leaders and experts in broadband technology. The goal of the council is to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to high speed Internet in order to be able to participate fully in the new digital age. Paterson also said that he would like to see New York becoming a leader in the new economy with all parts of the State having access to the network.


>>> A former state representative Michael A. Fox has asked for more time to prepare his case which was due to begin in December in Cincinnati. Fox is accused of taking money from contractors in kickbacks and almost half a million dollars in exchange for a contract for his friends fiber optics company. He has been charged under a law which says he defrauded taxpayers of "honest services". The owner of the fiber optics company Robert Schuler, has also been charged with perjury relating to the case and the contract with NORMAP Telecommunications LLC.


>>> AT&T has announced its third generation wireless network has been expanded into St Laurence County giving residents access to mobile broadband. According to independent testing, the providers 3G network is the fastest in the nation. AT&T say this is part of their ongoing ambition to enable its customers to quickly access the services and content which they require and to fuel economic growth for the region. 3G technology allows the users to surf the web and download files faster than ever, along with access to the latest mobile applications.


>>> The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a list of barriers to the use of broadband in the US. The States is currently lagging behind other countries when it comes to broadband penetration ratings and the FCC believes that a number of factors may further hinder progress. They feel that the Universal Service Fund which was created to subsidize phone services for those on low incomes needs to be overhauled. In addition just 35% of those on low incomes subscribe to the Internet, consumers have little access to information on the Internet and there are numerous gaps in the technology and privacy issues needed to allow customers to take full advantage of proposed faster access Internet.


>>> The FCC is asking for information on the impact of a nationwide broadband plan. The information will be used as part of its existing report due to be delivered to Congress in February. They are asking for comment on the availability of broadband in public areas such as libraries, colleges and unemployment offices. They have also asked for feedback from businesses as to what types of services they most often use.


>>> With the news that Oprah Winfrey has announced her retirement from broadcast TV, thoughts have turned to whether she might be setting up her own cable channel. Thought to be called "Own", the venture will be partially owned by Discovery Communications. Cable TV has become much more profitable than broadcast TV in recent years especially since the introduction of fiber optics, cable and satellite TV.


>>> It has been reported that Informa Telecoms & Media has purchased Broadband World Forum, sponsored by the International Engineering Consortium. They have also acquired the Broadband Infovision Awards from Professional Education International. Informa produces around 120 events each year, including the Broadband Global Summit. The new acquisitions fit well within their existing portfolio according to an Informa spokesperson.


>>> The D.C. Office of the Chief Technology Officer has been awarded more than $1m in funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The stimulus funds will be provided over the next 5 years and will be put towards broadband data mapping and planning. The funds will also be used to provide residents with information on how to access broadband and will include a national broadband map showing the areas where broadband is available and the speeds used.


>>> Verizon has launched FiOS TV in another 3 neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Customers have been able to sign up at the promotional price of $79 per month for 6 months and $109 for the next 18 months. Verizon won a 15 year contract from the city council earlier this year and aims to build the network throughout the city over the next 7 years. The promotional offers are far less than those offered by rival, Comcast and have been heavily marketed.