We've seen the billboards all over town: an oversized phone slathered with the words "first" and "4G." But those of us who don't accept "sometime later this year" for an answer have been left to ask: "So?" "When?" Sprint today announced plans to "officially" launch 4G WiMax mobile internet service across L.A. December 1. Sprint users have been reporting more and more 4G coverage across the metro area since the HTC EVO was released in early June. more ›

Google is starting to experiment with broadband services and L.A. wants in, according to USC's NeonTommy. "They've opened this up to everyone, but we're actively pursuing a deal," said Kevin Crawford, the deputy director of L.A.'s Information Tech... more ›

Obama's Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, is in town today to help announce a $7.5 million Recovery act investment to increase broadband access in the city. "The investment will help bridge the technological divide and improve access to job and computer training and educational opportunities," an advisory explained. Details of how the money will be used should be announced later today. U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will all be present at the press conference, which is taking place this afternoon at the South Los Angeles WorkSource Center. more ›

Just how "wired" are we in Los Angeles? more ›

Mayor Tony stood before a media gaggle at 7th & Fig in February and announced the birth of "LA Version 2.0." Free citywide Wi-Fi for all within two years, he proclaimed, momentarily appeasing critics and activists who have called for municipal funds and programs to help bridge the digital divide. But the skeptics among us are well aware of the extensive headaches and limited progress of the once-supposed trailblazing municipal Wi-Fi proposals in Philadelphia and... more ›

The Communications Workers of America released their initial (small) data sample revealing the molasses-slow pace of U.S. broadband connectivity. And tech-savvy, forward-thinking California clocks slower-than-average speeds. Blaming your new AT&T or Time-Warner or Verizon or Al Gore simply isn't going to fix the Internet, the union warns. Even Canada ranks significantly higher in broadband speeds. Take the speed test, play with the interactive data, or grab the PDF. Hmm. Maybe if we just just... more ›