The federal limit on cable television ownership is 30 percent of U.S households. The FCC will ponder the question of mandating access to cable systems for Internet services, launching an inquiry that promises to take some time to complete. The heated debate over open access was on high about a year ago, then seemed to simmer down after AOL, one of the most contentious whiners, joined Time Warner in a proposed merger. Don't expect firm rules anytime soon. According to an agency official, there is no set time frame for taking action one way or the other.
Loose lips sink ships.
And so does lax security on federal Web sites and computer systems. Because of reports of inadequate protection of government information on the Internet, the folks in D.C. are considering hiring a chief information officer to oversee the U.S. tech and computer security policies. The House Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology heard testimony on two legislative proposals in the House of Representatives that call for the new position. Though both proposals are gaining support, the White House is against creating the new position. Debate is expected to continue on the two bills, which the House may combine into one, and bring it to the House floor for voting early next year.