Edward Gonzales's blog

Over the objections of television broadcasters and other groups, federal regulators set aside a disputed slice of radio spectrum for public use on Tuesday, hoping it would lead to low-cost, high-speed Internet access and new wireless devices.

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The Challenge

Create a video short that completes the phrase "Democracy is…"

The Prize

An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, New York and Hollywood to attend gala screenings of the winning videos, gain exposure to the U.S. film and television industry and meet with creative talent, democracy advocates and government leaders. Learn More

As U.S. students fall further behind in math and science, the Education Dept. commissions the first nationwide assessment on technology.

To read more please click here.

McCain would encourage an investment by not taxing innovation and keeping capital gains taxes low...

Obama says he would support network neutrality, allowing users to control their online experience...

To read more about their position on technology and a translation by Richard Chabran, please click here.

“Being Online is Not Enough: State Elections Web Sites,” a 50-state analysis produced by Make Voting Work, examines election Web sites' usability and finds that when voters cannot easily locate information online, limited resources are diverted to operate costly help lines (as much as $100 per call).  Consequently, this report offers recommendations to improve state Web sites before Election Day.

To read the complete report please visit the The Pew Center on the States website.

The Federal Communications Commission has ruled that Comcast Corp. violated federal policy when it blocked Internet traffic for some subscribers. The ruling ordered Comcast to stop cutting off transfers of files among customers who use a type of file-sharing software.

To listen to the news clip please click here. 

Soon registering to vote in California will be as easy as a few keystrokes, thanks to Senate Bill 381 (Calderon), which Governor Schwarzenegger signed today. The measure will usher in the era of online voter registration in California.

To read more please visit the GovTech website.

Technology, while perhaps not the most controversial matter in the election, is another critical topic that the nominees have discussed and debated. Both Obama and McCain acknowledge the significance of technology in the 21st century, and its possibilities for various, high-profile issues such as medicine, education and defense. However, beyond a basic agreement of its importance, the candidates differ greatly in their views on, and plans to utilize, technology.

To read more please click here.

From touch-screen voting to online campaigning, technology is shaping the future of civic engagement. But what does this mean for e-democracy--especially for those individuals and communities without access to the latest technology? This panel considered the promise of technology and how it enables us to acquire and disseminate information.

In debating various notions of e-democracy, the panel looked at the degree to which the digital divide may hinder any respect of these expectations. 

To watch a recording of the event please click here.

Journalists and geeks have christened WiMAX, the successor to Wi-Fi technology, with many lovely names. It’s been called “Wi-Fi on steroids,” “Wi-Fi’s older brother” and even “the key to bridging the digital divide.” Purported by experts to be quicker and cheaper than Wi-Fi, WiMAX’s first two names are fine descriptions. The last moniker, however, has been much more difficult to live up to.

To read more please visit the Next American City website.