2009 October InfoTech & Telecom News: Microsoft-Yahoo Under Microscope

The October 2009 issue of InfoTech & Telecom News leads with a report on the antitrust scrutiny being imposed on the search engine deal that would unite software giant Microsoft with Web portal Yahoo.

Also in this issue:

* The Federal Trade Commission is considering a controversial rule that would require bloggers to disclose any connections they have to marketers or products they review online.

* A recent study on the dangers of texting while driving has prompted four Democratic U.S. senators to propose compelling states to ban the practice or lose federal highway funds.

* Verizon Wireless is proposing to ease its roaming policy to accommodate smaller carriers, but the firms aren’t satisfied and want action by the federal government to mandate more concessions.

* Suffolk County took quick advantage of a new state law giving the county permission to impose a tax on cell phone use.

* More than $200 million of state tax money collected from cell phone users for upgrades to 911 systems has been diverted in the past two years to plug state budget holes, keep campaign promises, and, in at least one case, buy police uniforms.