Gotham Gazette
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The Topic
Tech (shorthand for Technology and Utilities) refers to computers, telecommunications and the Internet, as well as public utilities such as cable, electricity and pay phone services, and the important issues that New Yorkers will increasingly face, including consumer issues, because of the growth of these technology-based industries.
The Context
Technology and telecommunications is economically vital to the success of New York’s largest and most important industries including finance, healthcare, higher education, media and the telecommunications industry itself. According to New York’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC), in 2003, telecom carriers, cable companies, Internet service providers and publishers were a $23 billion industry -- over three percent of the city’s economy – employing 43,000 people. New Yorkers are tech savvy; more than two-thirds of us are online. Yet the speed with which new technologies and tech-related industries have developed means that many policy issues are only now beginning to be addressed, such as how to protect consumer privacy online, ensure equal access to new technology, bring government services to the Internet, allow online trading of digital music, and tax e-commerce. While the Internet began as free-wheeling, governments are looking more and more to regulate it, and New York will be among the first places in the nation to feel the impact of these decisions.

This Month's Article ...

Many New Yorkers rely on calling cards to keep in touch with family overseas. All too often, they end up paying more and talking less than they had planned.

Recent Tech Articles from the Gotham Gazette:

Calling Home -- and Losing Minutes | Finding a Converter Box Before the Big Switch | The Fight Over Broadcasting's 'White Space' | The Fight for New York Televisions

Researching Tech ...

Boosting Health Technology
The health information technology sector could provide a financial boost to the city and help diversify our economy, according to a new report by the Center for an Urban Future. The report, titled "Record Recovery," argues that the city's large health care industry, including its 65 hospitals, 1,300 outpatient clinics and over 30,000 doctors, could reap the benefits of more than $19 billion in federal stimulus funding that is dedicated to converting paper records to electronic ones. Much of the city's health care industry, according to the report, still uses paper records. (June 30, 2009)

Tech Industry Remains Vital to New York Economy
New York state has the third largest high-tech industry, employing 304,200 people with a total payroll of $25.9 billion. The industry experienced a net gain of 2,700 jobs in 2007, the most current year for which state data are available. (May 7, 2009)

Data Inaccuracies in Housing Repair Database
Inaccuracies and deficiencies in the Department of Housing Preservation and Development's Emergency Repair Program database could lead to billing and payment issues with vendors, according to a new report from Comptroller William Thompson's office. The report found the database had blank or incomplete and invalid figures. The comptroller's report recommends that the city ensure the data is accurate. (April 5, 2009)

Global Cities Index
New York City is ranked as the most global city in an annual index created by Foreign Policy magazine, the consulting firm A.T. Kearney, and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. New York's financial markets, network of multinational corporations and the strength of its creative class gave the city its edge over the 59 other cities included in the index. (November 6, 2008)

Healthier School Buses
The Environmental Defense Fund proposes a $30 million retrofit program for the city's school buses over three years. The program would upgrade the bus fleet's diesel engines so that 90 percent of their pollution would be eliminated. Pollution is five times higher inside buses than it is outside, according to the report. (October 3, 2008)

Mobile Phones
CTI-Miami.com offers a large selection of mobile phones and accessories for such brands as Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Panasonic, Bluetooth, and Smart phones.
Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
A public interest research center in Washington, D.C. established to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues and to protect privacy, the First Amendment, and constitutional values.
NYC Link
The official City "one-stop government site." The first place to go to learn about NYC policy and politics. Links to ALL agencies, boards, and other NYC gov't bodies. The site boasts more than 30,000 pages of content and 100 online transactional services.
Flash Camera Memory Cards UK
Mouse2House offer a wide range of digital imaging solutions including flash memory, compact flash, SD cards and ink cartridges and toners.
American Civil Liberties Union Technology Page
Use the resources on this page to learn more and take action to protect the rights guaranteed to all Americans by the Bill of Rights with regard to information privacy.
The Center for Public Integrity
The mission of the Center for Public Integrity is to provide the American people with the findings of our investigations and analyses of public service, government accountability and ethics related issues.
Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy
The Furman Center at NYU's Wagner School explores issues and challenges affecting cities and metropolitan regions. The Center issues reports and conducts forums that include participants from government, business, and the nonprofit sectors.
United States Department of Commerce
Promotes job creation, economic growth, sustainable development and improved living standards by working with the private sector, universities and communities. Year 2000 initiatives include formulating e-commerce policy and closing the digital divide
NYSERNet
A statewide organization that advances network technologies and applications that enable collaboration and promote technology transfer for research and education, expanding these to government, industry, and the broader community.
Digital Cities Convention
Official site of the Digital Cities Convention, which is held annually in North America, Europe and Asia. The conference is aimed at providing municipal elected officials, industry thought leaders, technology providers and systems integrators the opportunity to discuss issues surrounding broadband-wireless municipal-area networks.

Sites of Interest from Collegester:
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