Latest news with #CommunicationsandTechnology
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bill to ban TikTok on state devices passes Pennsylvania Senate
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A bill that would ban the use of the app TikTok on state devices and networks seems to have most Pennsylvania senators in agreement. The bill, sponsored by Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, notes that the app on state devices presents 'an unacceptable level of cybersecurity risk.' Under Senate Bill 376, all agencies, departments or commissions that are state government entities must do the following: Remove the application from state networks Implement measures to prevent the installation of the app Implement network-based restrictions to prevent workers from using and accessing the app Pennsylvania Representative aims to repeal 'Johnstown Flood Tax' 'The people of Pennsylvania's personal safety and our national security are threatened by cyber vulnerabilities of systems that support our daily lives. It is imperative that Pennsylvania takes bold and decisive actions to prepare for and address cybersecurity threats,' Phillips-Hill noted in her memo about the bill to other lawmakers. Over half of the other states have already banned the app on government devices, along with several other countries. The bill passed the Pennsylvania Senate with 49 votes yes on Wednesday, June 4. This comes after it passed both the Communications and Technology and the Appropriations Committee. It will now head to the House for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Ammon
4 days ago
- Business
- Ammon
Jordan, Syria Explore Deeper ICT Cooperation in High-Level Talks
Ammon News - Jordan and Syria have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of telecommunications and information technology, following high-level discussions held virtually on Monday between the Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Sami Samirat, and Syria's Minister of Communications and Technology, Abdel Salam Haykal. According to a statement from the ministry, the meeting focused on efforts to activate a regional fiber-optic corridor, explore alternative routes for internet and telecom services, and position Jordan as a strategic transit hub for data traffic with a potential capacity of up to 100 terabytes. The initiative would involve linking Syrian and Jordanian fiber-optic networks to enhance service sustainability and regional connectivity. The two sides expressed shared interest in making Jordan a critical passage for internet traffic transiting through Syrian territory to destinations further south, underscoring the strategic role of infrastructure cooperation in broader regional development. As part of their plan to foster closer collaboration, the ministers agreed to organize a technical forum in Damascus at the earliest opportunity. The event will bring together private-sector companies from both countries working in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and IT services. It aims to create new channels for business partnerships and investment. Minister Samirat is expected to head the Jordanian delegation to the forum, which will include representatives from key Jordanian companies specializing in fiber-optic systems, digital platforms, and infrastructure development. During the meeting, Samirat reaffirmed Jordan's readiness to support the growth of Syria's ICT sector by offering technical expertise and encouraging the involvement of Jordanian firms in future projects. The ministers also agreed to maintain close coordination through the recently established Higher Coordination Council, formalized by a memorandum of understanding signed in Damascus on May 20. Petra


Broadcast Pro
15-04-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Somalia licenses Starlink to boost nationwide internet access
This marks Starlinks 19th market entry in Africa, following its recent expansion into Niger in March 2025. Somalia has licensed SpaceXs Starlink to operate as an Internet Service Provider (ISP across the country), marking a major step toward expanding connectivity in one of Africas most underserved digital landscapes. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Mogadishu attended by government officials and Starlink representatives. Minister of Communications and Technology Mohamed Adan Moalin highlighted the move as part of Somalias push for digital inclusion. We are pleased to welcome Starlink to our country. This step supports our goal of ensuring all Somalis, wherever they are, have access to affordable and far-reaching Internet services, he stated. While Somalia currently benefits from undersea Internet cables such as the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and the Djibouti Africa Regional Express (DARE1), many rural and nomadic populations remain offline due to limited terrestrial infrastructure. Starlinks satellite technology, powered by a network of low-Earth orbit satellites, offers a practical solution by delivering high-speed Internet without relying on ground-based systems. The introduction of Starlink is expected to significantly impact key sectors like education, healthcare and commerce by providing more reliable and widespread Internet access. However, pricing remains a concern in the Somali market, with monthly subscription costs ranging between $80 and $120posing a challenge in a country where average annual income is under $500. Starlinks launch in Somalia adds to its growing footprint in Africa, following recent expansions in Niger and Liberia. As the continent continues to confront low Internet penetration rates, satellite-based services are seen as critical to bridging the digital divide and accelerating socio-economic development.