Nov 19th, 2008 · Ahmad, director of field operations for a telecom company, returned to the region because he "owed it" to his home country. He's hoping a return of professionals like him can improve the country's diminished infrastructure.
Jul 9th, 2008 · The new version of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act includes a provision that grants retroactive immunity to telecom companies. National security expert Suzanne Spaulding talks about how the immunity provision will affect lawsuits.
Jul 9th, 2008 · The Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that protects telecommunications companies from liability for participating in the warrantless domestic spying program that began after the Sept. 11 attacks. The president is expected to sign the bill.
Jul 9th, 2008 · The drawn-out battle over warrantless surveillance will likely head toward a finale Wednesday. Analysts predict that the Senate will grant immunity to telecom companies who cooperated with the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program.
Mar 14th, 2008 · The House passed a revamped Democratic bill to expand government spying powers Friday. Unlike the Senate bill, this one does not include retroactive immunity for telephone companies being sued for their role in the government's program, but the House attempted to solve the impasse with a different approach.
Mar 1st, 2008 · Sprint Nextel announced a $29.5 billion loss last quarter. The nation's third-largest telecom provider's credit rating is being downgraded to junk status by Wall Street. Scott Simon talks with New York Times columnist Joe Nocera about newly minted CEO Daniel Hesse' attempts to pull the company's balance sheet out of the gutter.
Feb 26th, 2008 · Taliban militants in Afghanistan reportedly are threatening to destroy cell phone towers because foreign troops are tracking their phone calls. Rory Stewart, chief executive of the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, talks to Steve Inskeep about the rapid pace and importance of telecom technology in Afghanistan.
Feb 12th, 2008 · A standoff in the Senate over expanding the government's eavesdropping powers has finally come to a conclusion. Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama left the campaign trail to join in a series of votes to amend the wiretapping bill backed by the White House. The Senate passed the legislation 68-29.