European Commission lays down the law for landline pricing

The European Commission has recommended that price ceilings should be imposed on leased lines across the EU. It has found that the market for electronic communication services is 'distorted by substantial variations in leased line prices which are impossible to explain in terms of costs'. In one instance the price of a 2Mbps line 5km long was seven times higher in the most expensive country than in the cheapest. ...more

UK indie band to release new album free on the Web

A critically acclaimed UK indie band has announced that its next album will be given away for free on the Internet, a move that if successful could prompt other artists to follow suit. Secrets of the Witching Hour, The Crimea's follow-up to 2005's Tragedy Rocks will be made available on 13 May. The band have financed the recording themselves and hope to recoup their costs - and then make money - by widening their fanbase selling more concert tickets and merchandise. ...more

Dell to offer AMD desktops and notebooks - analyst

Dell Computer is widely tipped to announce an expanded alliance with chip maker AMD. According to rumours circulating, Dell plans to buy in up to two million AMD powered machines. The powerful Bank of America Securities analyst Sumit Dhanda is reporting that Dell plans to build 1 to 1. ...more

European Commission seeks to bolster IT and media industries

The European Commission has announced a new initiative to foster growth and jobs in the information and media industries. 'i2010: European Information Society 2010' is a strategy designed to encourage the development of the digital economy by modernising and deploying relevant EU policies on regulation, research and partnerships with industry. In particular it will aim to promote high-speed and secure broadband networks across the EU. ...more

Stolen hospital laptop prompts ID theft concerns

A laptop stolen from a hospital in Cornwall contained the personal and financial information of 10,000 NHS staff. The computer, which stored staff names, addresses and bank details was taken from the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. The Trust handles the payroll for thousands of NHS workers across the country. ...more