Commerce, ICANN strike deal on Internet governance Oct 1, 2009
The Commerce Departments National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has reached an agreement with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for ICANNs continued governance of the Internet. NTIA and ICANN signed an Affirmation of Commitments that establishes what NTIA called a long-lasting framework for the technical coordination of the Internets domain name and addressing system (DNS). (FCW.com)
More autonomy, international oversight for ICANN Oct 1, 2009
Since 1998, ICANN has operated under an agreement with the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. That agreement expired on Wednesday and was replaced with a new document called an "Affirmation of Commitments.". (Yahoo! Asia News)
EOC receives grant for enhanced 911 Oct 1, 2009
The money specifically comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Call centers will use these funds to update their system to better serve the public. (Fulton Sun, MO)
Government Panel Mulls Kids' Online Safety Oct 1, 2009
In April, the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the appointments. Disclosure: I was appointed as a representative of and , the non-profit Internet safety group I co-direct along with Anne Collier. (CBS News -- Entertainment)
Murphy announces grant for new public, local radio station WGXC on 90.7 FM Sep 30, 2009
Published: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 1:16 AM CDT Congressman Scott Murphy (D-20th) announced that WGXC was awarded a grant of $71,486 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration through their Public Telecommunications Facilities Program, which will fund half the equipment needed for the station to go on the air on 90. 7 FM. WGXC will be a 3,300-watt non-commercial community radio station, with shows about agriculture, local history, the arts, education and local... (Hudson Register Star, NY)
US 'to loosen' grip on internet Sep 30, 2009
Page last updated at 17:31 GMT, Monday, 28 September 2009 18:31 UK. Icann oversees the structure of the net. (BBC News -- Technology)
Feds give $71K to new public radio station Sep 24, 2009
The WGXC Radio Council received a $71,486 grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, through its Public Telecommunications Facilities Program. The group, which will need to match the funds, plans to put a 3,300 watt radio station on the air, at 90. (Albany Business Review, NY)
83 ACA Members File For $1.3 Billion In Broadband Grants Sep 18, 2009
The plan is being administered by two federal agencies - the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service. According to the ACA, more than 83 of its 900 members applied for grants, including NPG Cable, Wave Broadband, Boycom Cablevision and NewWave Communications. (Multichannel News)
Democrats Failed on Digital Divide, Too Sep 15, 2009
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (now there's an Orwellian name) produced several studies of the problem. A 1997 report on digital "haves and have nots" worried that America faced a "racial ravine." Though "all racial groups now own more computers than they did in 1994," the report continued, "Blacks and Hispanics now lag even further behind Whites in their levels of PC-ownership and on-line access." (Emphasis in original. (Townhall.com)
St. Paul hopes to stimulate fiber network Sep 15, 2009
7 billion for broadband initiatives around the country through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. sblack@bizjournals. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Review Set For NTIA's Efforts On Stimulus Sep 13, 2009
Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration is the White House's chief telecommunications adviser and oversees government spectrum, much as the Federal Communications Commission does with commercial spectrum. In a memo to NTIA administrator Larry Strickling, Judith Gordon, assistant inspector general for audit and evaluation, said the goal of the review was to gauge how effectively that agency is overseeing and managing the program, including supervising contractors and... (Multichannel News)
Broadband map may cost $350 million Sep 13, 2009
To ensure the mapping money is used "in a fiscally prudent manner," the National Telecommunications and Information Administration signaled Wednesday it would initially spend more than $100 million, and then reassess the program. Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Sunday, September 13, 2009. (Athens Banner-Herald)
$100M-Plus Broadband Map Runs Into Cost Questions Sep 13, 2009
To ensure the mapping money is used "in a fiscally prudent manner," the National Telecommunications and Information Administration signaled Wednesday it would initially spend more than $100 million, and then reassess the program. The agency, which is part of the Commerce Department, said it has received requests for $107 million in funding for projects that would map broadband in individual states over the first two years. (ABC News -- Wire)
Broadband stimulus process may change Sep 12, 2009
In July, the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the Commerce Departments National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) were directed to serve as agents for two separate programs. ADVERTISEMENT. (Forest Republican, WI)
Malaysian-Indian alliance to buy stake in Kuwait's Zain telecom Sep 9, 2009
It is one of three mobile operators in Kuwait, along with National Telecommunications Co (Wataniya) and Kuwait Telecommunications Co (VIVA). Qatar Telecom owns a majority stake in Wataniya while VIVA is run by the Saudi Telecom Co.. (Yahoo! Asia News)
GigaBeam Announces Restructuring Plan Under Protection of Chapter 11 Sep 5, 2009
the ability of the Company to continue to operate as a going concern; * the ability of the Company to obtain approval of the Bankruptcy Court (as defined herein) with respect to motions filed by it from time to time in the Chapter 11 Case described herein; * the Company's ability to obtain debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing; * if the Company should seek to obtain DIP financing and is able to obtain such financing, whether the Bankruptcy Court will grant final approval of any such financing;... (Primezone Releases)
DHS: Natural Disaster Could Enable Cyber-Attack Sep 4, 2009
" The risk Mr. Cochran outlined was one of just two rated by the assessment's experts as "high-consequence, medium-likelihood" threats to the nation's IT infrastructure. The other is a more geopolitical concern, stemming from the consensus-based and open-ended way the governance structures of the Internet have evolved. The way users find their way around the Internet relies on a highly decentralized system of servers that direct Web traffic and ensure that each small packet of computer data... (Newsmax)
Applications for broadband grants under the stimulus law far outstrip available funds Sep 1, 2009
Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the USDAs Rural Utilities Service are administering the grants from the $4 billion pool, which is the first round of funding. Overall, the stimulus law makes available $7. (FCW.com)
Broadband Stimulus Requests Top $28B, Outweigh Funds Sep 1, 2009
"Applicants requested nearly seven times the amount of funding available, which demonstrates the substantial interest in expanding broadband across the nation," Lawrence Strickling, administrator of the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), said in a statement. Strickling, whose organization is working with the Agriculture Department's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to oversee the programs, said the agencies would "move quickly but carefully to... (SmallBusinessComputing)
Broadband Stimulus Funds Draw Lots of Requests Aug 30, 2009
It is being overseen by the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). NTIA did not release any data about proposals but says it plans to post brief summaries "in the coming weeks.". (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Newsbits: Broadband flood, iPhone in China Aug 29, 2009
2 billion to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service. About $2. (EETimes)
Arizona agencies form broadband committee Aug 29, 2009
The group will work on grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The state agencies participating include the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and the state departments of Administration, Commerce, Education, Health Services, Homeland Security, Public Safety, Transportation and Land. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
FCC Diversity Chief: GOP Hurts Civil Rights Aug 29, 2009
However, a 1998 report from the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) concluded that FCC policies were not the primary reason for the minority gap in communications. Minority broadcasters are finding it increasingly difficult to compete, the report concluded. (Newsmax)
Cable Technology Aug 26, 2009
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration told Congress last week that it will reveal bidders thtat made the first cut in their pursuit of up to $1. 6 billion in broadband stimulus grant money "no earlier" than Sept. 14, and it gave bidders another extension. (Multichannel News)
Treasury To Get Nine-Figure Return On Coupon Program Aug 25, 2009
The U.S. Treasury will get at least $139 million back when the National Telecommunications & Information Association has redeemed its final $40 DTV-to-analog converter box coupon, and likely more along the lines of a $200 million-plus return. That is according to the final NTIA figures for coupon requests. (Multichannel News)
GITA applies for $4.3M broadband map grant Aug 22, 2009
GITA submitted the grant to the U.S. Department of Commerce s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Chad Kirkpatrick, the state chief information officer and director of GITA, said the project is designed to find unserved and underserved areas of broadband in order to tie in more rural communities to the state s telecommunications infrastructure. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
FCC Seeks More Help In Defining Broadband Aug 21, 2009
The National Telecommunications & Information Administration has already come up with a definition for broadband for its stimulus grant program, which the FCC advised on. But then-FCC Chairman Michael Copps made it clear that would not necessarily be the same definition adopted by the FCC.. (Multichannel News)
Level 3 seeks stimulus funds for broadband Aug 21, 2009
Level 3 seeks grants from both the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility Service (RUS) and the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The agencies are overseeing distribution of $4 billion worth of grant and loans in the first round of broadband stimulus funding. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
NTIA Gives Broadband Bidders Another Extension Aug 21, 2009
WASHINGTON The National Telecommunications & Information Administration told Congress this week that it will reveal bidders who have made the first cut in their pursuit of up to $1. 6 billion in "no earlier" than Sept. 14, and has given bidders another extension to file supporting materials. (Multichannel News)
NTIA Reports to Congress on Broadband Stimulus Programs Aug 21, 2009
In the wake of experiencing a greater than expected volume of grant applications for the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, the National Telecommunications & Information Administration on August 17 submitted its. As set out in the ARRA, are to be awarded to shovel-ready broadband projects. (Multichannel News)
Broadband Grants and the 'Underserved' Aug 17, 2009
Yet the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), which is overseeing the program, defines underserved as one where at least half of all households lack broadband, or where fewer than 40% of households subscribe to broadband, or a place where no service provider advertises broadband speeds of at least 3 megabits per second. In a densely populated city like San Francisco, where telecom providers like AT&T () and Comcast () widely advertise residential broadband all over the... (BusinessWeek)
Broadband Stimulus Gets First-Round Extension Until Aug. 20 Aug 15, 2009
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service are administering the plans. The initial round was mainly for last mile and middle mile projects in unserved and underserved areas of the country. (Multichannel News)
Deadline for U.S. broadband grants, loans extended Aug 14, 2009
Applicants who started the process using the online Easygrants System will be given until the close of business Thursday, August 20, the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) said. The NTIA said additional servers had been added. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
accept a contribution of $2,400 from the John Buonomo Committee, Aug 13, 2009
Buonomo s committee paid a total of $2,148 for services that the National Telecommunications Services Corporation provided to Lafuente s committee in November 2007. We get thousands of finance reports each year, Tait said. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Cover Story: Strings Attached Aug 10, 2009
The agencies in charge of the programs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service have until September 2010 to disperse all the funds. Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge, a D.C. public-interest advocacy group, has been advising some potential bidders and has heard her share of grousing over the ground rules. (Multichannel News)
NTIA Corrects Broadband Mapping Funds Aug 8, 2009
The National Telecommunications & Information Administration has made some technical corrections to its notice of funds availability (NOFA) for broadband mapping that paves the way for broadband providers to give up the data. Major broadband providers and trade associations had asked NTIA for the changes, and with them "committed to helping NTIA complete the important and difficult task of mapping broadband availability.". (Multichannel News)
Telco Companies to Provide Data for Broadband Map Aug 8, 2009
"The information that the broadband carriers are now committed to providing is crucial to the creation of the national broadband map," said Lawrence Strickling, head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the arm of the Commerce Department that is overseeing the mapping project. Congress included up to $350 million in the economic stimulus bill passed in February to develop a "comprehensive nationwide inventory map of existing broadband service capability and... (ABC News -- Wire)
Dot-org zone offers lessons learned in implementing DNSSEC Aug 7, 2009
In a July 17 letter to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Afilias Ltd. offered advice on protocols for minimizing computational overhead; processes for rolling over, distributing and securing cryptographic signing keys; and warned of a possible increase in bandwidth demand when DNSSEC is being used. Afilias provides technical services to. (FCW.com)
DTV Coupon Box Program Concludes With Bang Aug 6, 2009
The government's DTV-to-analog converter box coupon program ended with a spike, according to just-released figures from the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, which administered the program. On July 31, the final day that coupon applications could be applied for, 169,000 requests came in, more than double the previous day's 78,000 and more than three times the average for the previous 30 days. (Multichannel News)
Multichannel Newswire Aug 6, 2009
The government's DTV-to-analog converter box coupon program ended with a spike, according to just-released figures from the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, which administered the program. Google plans to acquire video-compression technology vendor On2 Technologies for about $106. (Multichannel News)
City to broaden horizons Aug 5, 2009
5 billion for expanding broadband services and networks across the country through the Department of Agriculture and the National Telecommunications Authority. Were applying to both entities through the North Florida Broadband Authority to acquire grant funding to build a network in the 14-county region, Lien said. (Lake City Reporter, FL)
Wiring Rural America: Which Technology Is Best? Aug 4, 2009
The Agriculture Dept.'s Rural Utilities Service and the Commerce Dept.'s National Telecommunications Information Administration will be vetting those submissions. Service providers are expected to propose a range of schemes to deliver high-speed Internet through both existing infrastructure such as telephone lines, cable-TV networks, or electric power lines and through the installation of new fiber-optic cables going directly to residences, new wireless networks, or by using satellites. (BusinessWeek)
Telecom Companies Scramble for Funding Aug 4, 2009
Over a 17-day stretch, representatives of the Agriculture Dept.'s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the Commerce Dept.'s National Telecommunications Information Administration coached companies, state agencies, universities, municipalities, and others on how to properly complete paperwork. Even an event in Lonoke, Ark. (BusinessWeek)
Denton County clerk wins national award Aug 4, 2009
Mitchell serves as a member on the National Telecommunications and Technology Steering Committee and as vice chair of the national Membership Committee. Denton County s annual membership dues are based on population and are 7,241. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
FCC Lines Up Panelists For First Of 18 Broadband Workshops Aug 4, 2009
The workshops are similar in form to ones held by the National Telecommunications & Information Administration on its just-launched, and soon-to-close bidding process for the first $4 billion of %7. 2 billion in broadband rollout grants/loans from NTIA and the Agriculture Department. (Multichannel News)
'Clunkers' Echoes DTV Kerfuffle Aug 1, 2009
In the first year of the program, the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued more than 40 million coupons. But the deluge of applications caught the government off guard, and by January 2009 the NTIA announced it had run out of money to fund the coupons and had established a waiting list. (ABC News -- Business)
34 radio stations banned Aug 1, 2009
The Venezuelan government has ordered the closure of 34 radio stations, the head of national telecommunications regulator Conatel said Friday, in the latest bid to rein in the country's media. "They will have to cease transmission once they have received the order from Conatel," said Diosdado Cabello, who is also minister of public works in President Hugo Chavez's leftist government. (iAfrica.com)
Venezuela orders closure of 34 radio stations Aug 1, 2009
The Venezuelan government has ordered the closure of 34 radio stations, the head of national telecommunications regulator Conatel said Friday, in the latest bid to rein in the country's media. CARACAS (AFP) - The Venezuelan government has ordered the closure of 34 radio stations, the head of national telecommunications regulator Conatel said Friday, in the latest bid to rein in the country's media. (Yahoo! Asia News)
DTV Coupon Program Ends Aug 1, 2009
The coupon program, overseen by the Commerce Departments National Telecommunications and Information Administration, officially ends at midnight. As of July 22, about 63. (USA Today -- Tech)
Baker Sworn In As FCC Commissioner Aug 1, 2009
Baker is the well-liked former acting head of the National Telecommunications & Information Administration. There was a bit of karma to the timing of her first day as commissioner, which came on the last day of the DTV-to-analog converter box coupon program -- at least the last day coupons could be applied for -- which Baker oversaw before exiting with the rest of the Bush administration in January. (Multichannel News)
Chavez hits at Venezuelan media with new laws... Jul 30, 2009
In a recent report, National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) chief Diosdado Cabello said 27 families have "privileged ownership" of 32 percent of the radio broadcast industry. But for Chavez's opposition, this "now or never" approach to the media is just the latest onslaught on press freedoms by the firebrand leftist leader, who has never forgiven the privately owned media for backing a failed coup against him in 2002. (The Drudge Report)
Call for Entries for TelcoTV Vision Awards Jul 30, 2009
The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association is the premier association representing more than 580 locally owned and managed telecommunications cooperatives and commercial companies throughout rural America. NTCA provides its members with legislative, regulatory, and industry representation; meetings; publications and educational programs; and an array of employee benefit programs. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
2 Commissioners Approved to Round out FCC Jul 25, 2009
Baker was head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under the Bush White House. The newest FCC chairman, Democrat Julius Genachowski, was sworn in last month. (ABC News -- Wire)
Clyburn, Baker Confirmed For FCC Jul 25, 2009
Baker is the former acting head of the National Telecommunications & Information Administration. Clyburn is a South Carolina utility regulator and daughter of House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C). (Multichannel News)
Government Exceeds Original Converter Box Coupon Funding Limit Jul 25, 2009
According to the most recent figures from the National Telecommunications & Information Administration as of July 22, the government has redeemed 33,578,000 of the $40 coupons that allow viewers to continue to receive a digital TV signal on an analog set. The original $1. (Multichannel News)
Senate Commerce OKs Clyburn, Baker For FCC Jul 22, 2009
Baker, a Republican, is the former head of the National Telecommunications & Information Administration and widely praised for her stewardship of the agency despite problems with the DTV-to-analog coupon program. Clyburn is a South Carolina utility regulator, former publisher of a small newspaper, and daughter of House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.). (Multichannel News)
Groups Ask NTIA To Make Changes To Rules For Broadband Stimulus Bidding Jul 22, 2009
A dozen organizations have asked the National Telecommunications & Information Administration to make at least 10 changes/clarifications to its rules for bidding on billions of dollars in broadband stimulus grant and loan money ... Groups signing on to the letter include the National Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Public Knowledge, Media & Democracy Coalition, and Consumers Union. (Multichannel News)
Sanity check needed for NBN Jul 21, 2009
Big network upgrades internationally are being led by national telecommunications operators, meaning that cash flow can largely fund investment while borrowings can be secured against an established balance sheet. The genius of the NBN is that creating a wholesale-only network will heighten competition and bypass the monopolistic Telstra. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Feds to hold broadband stimulus workshop Jul 18, 2009
Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture s rural utilities service and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will present to organizations. The workshop, one of 10 to be held nationwide, will feature opening remarks and break-out sessions. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
IN THE FIELD: Rural Americans long to be linked Jul 18, 2009
How the program works: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) are responsible for handing out the money. By the end of June, they're expected to issue rules that will spell out, in detail, how to apply for funding. (USA Today -- News)
Officials Ask Help Controlling Prison Cell Phones Jul 16, 2009
Maryland has made a request to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for a 30-minute demonstration at a Maryland prison that houses federal inmates to inform Congress about available technology to combat illicit cell phone use. The agency shares responsibility for managing the nation's communications network with the Federal Communications Commission. (KCRA 3, CA)
Federal funds unlikely for Palo Alto fiber project Jul 15, 2009
But earlier this month, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration -- which is charged with distributing $4. 7 billion for broadband projects -- released funding guidelines that essentially guarantee Palo Alto wouldn't be selected. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Broadband stimulus workshop to be held in Memphis Wednesday Jul 14, 2009
The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service are hosting a public broadband grant and loan workshop at the Holiday Inn Hotel at University of Memphis Wednesday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.. The workshops will teach business owners how to apply for the first round of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for the expansion of broadband access and updating Internet infrastructure. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
Students receive scholarships from Lumpkin Pioneer Club Jul 14, 2009
The Mattoon-based chapter of the Pioneer Club is part of the national Telecommunications Pioneers organization and includes employees and retirees of Consolidated Communications. Since 1990, the club has awarded more than 93,750 in scholarships to some 140 students. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Bham to host broadband funding workshop Jul 11, 2009
The public broadband grant and loan workshop will be held July 14 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel at 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. It is sponsored by the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service. The stimulus funds are becoming available in the first round of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
