Associated Press

Internet problems continue to slow down many students in the US state of New Mexico, but a pilot project using TV signals to transmit computer files may help. On November 18, state public education officials distributed devices to eight families in the city of Taos (NM) that allow schools to send them digital files via television. The boxes the size of a deck of cards allow digital television receivers to connect with computers using technology called datacasting.

Puerto Rico’s government announced that it plans to offer free, high-speed internet to the more than 300 public housing projects across the US territory. Public Housing Administrator Alejandro Salgado said nearly all units will have internet access by the end of next year as part of the $11.8 million project. He said an internet connection has become an urgent need, especially for schoolchildren. Salgado said the service recently debuted in some of the island’s 78 municipalities, including Aguada, Arecibo and Isabela.

The town of Bristol (NH) launched its new high-speed internet service on September 16. The Bristol Broadband Now network is the result of planning by the Bristol Economic Development Committee, town administrator Nicholas Coates, and a public-private partnership with eX² Technology LLC of Omaha (NE) which built the physical infrastructure for the fiber optic internet. Hub66, based in Acton (MA), will provide the internet service to businesses, residents and municipal buildings in the town of about 3,000 people.