Peter Svensson

Think the digital TV transition is over? Not quite. Many viewers have found that they can't pick up certain stations after the switch, even with the right TVs or converter boxes.

How many wireless carriers do we need? It's a question that's popping up again as T-Mobile USA is said to be looking at buying Sprint Nextel Corp.

More than $200 million collected from cell phone users for upgrades to the 911 system has been diverted in the last two years to plug state budget holes, keep campaign promises and, in at least one case, buy police uniforms.

Computer and home entertainment industry leaders, including Intel, Microsoft, Dell, and Panasonic, said that they're forming a new association to create an even faster wireless technology for zipping large files around the home.

The Federal Communications Commission voted Wednesday to force landline phone companies to act faster when their subscribers want to move their phone number to a rival service. The Commission will require companies to transfer, or "port," landline phone numbers within one business day, down from the current four-day requirement.

Minnesota officials are trying a novel tactic to block online gambling sites — using a federal law that enables restrictions on phone calls used for wagering.
The state's Department of Public Safety said Wednesday it had asked 11 Internet service providers to block access to 200 online gambling sites.

AT&T, the nation's largest Internet service provider, will start sending warnings to its subscribers when music labels and movie studios allege that they are trafficking in pirated material. The phone company thus joins other major ISPs that either go beyond legal requirements or interpret their duties under the law to mean that they have to forward such notices.

Parents might get a new reason to yell at their kids for playing video games too much: In the future, it could rack up their Internet bills. A service unveiled this week aims to stream video games over the Internet, setting gamers on a collision course with cable and phone companies that are seeking to curb growing demands on their networks by charging for heavy usage.

The stimulus bill provides $7.2 billion for grants, loans and loan guarantees, primarily for areas that lack broadband or are "underserved," though the term is not defined. Some of that money is set aside to expand Internet access at public centers like community colleges and public libraries.

Though hundreds of TV stations are turning off their analog signals, households in line for their $40 coupons for digital converter boxes are likely to have to wait at least several weeks longer.