Kitty Corner

CRTC is _finally_ requiring cell phone companies to update their systems so that 911 operators can locate cell phone callers.

Wish I still had the news story handy, but some other things I've picked up from reading.  The US has had this technology required (subject to stringent regulations and stiff penalties) for several years.  Also, the technology - get this - was developed and is still exported out of Canada.  And yet we have people dying because 911 operators have no way to track the origin of a cell phone call (like they do with a landline).

The article I read this in is now purchase-only online (Globe and Mail).  Apparently although every cell phone company charges a 911 service fee (including in NWT where there is NO 911 service), there is no accountability, and a news investigation showed that a very small percentage of the fee actually goes toward 911 service.  And yet the companies have the nerve to demand that the government pay the cost of upgrading their systems!  Outrageous!

In happier news, Apple has finally managed to get the big record companies to agree to no DRM for music sold in the iTunes store!  This at the cost of three-level pricing, but at least this one large goal (no DRM) has been achieved. :)

Oh, and the technology for regrowing teeth is now being developed.  Using stem cells from your own wisdom teeth!  (guess I'm out of luck, eh!)