REGION

REGION
Free seminars offeredon Internet matters
YOUNGSTOWN -- Internet Data Management will be offering free informational seminars covering various Internet-related topics March 27 at the Holiday Inn in Boardman. Topics are marketing a Web site, high-speed Internet access and security issues that broadband presents to an organization. Reservations can be made by calling (330) 707-0432.
Collective bargainingto be workshop topic
HOWLAND -- The Federal Mediation & amp; Conciliation Service and the Trumbull Career & amp; Technical Center will conduct a collective bargaining workshop March 14 and 15 at the Avalon Inn. Cost is $150 for one day or $200 for both. Reservations are due by March 8 by calling Vicki Thompson at (330) 847-1117.
NATION
House vote would easesale of Internet access
WASHINGTON -- The House passed sweeping legislation Wednesday to let four Bell telephone giants sell Internet access nationwide and to relieve them of state and federal regulation.
Supporters hailed the legislation as a boon to expanding Internet service. Foes called it a road map to monopoly and to higher prices for consumers.
The bill would remove requirements in the 1996 Telecommunications Act that the regional Bell companies first open their networks to competitors before being allowed to offer high-speed Internet service nationwide.
Passed by the House on a 273-157 vote, the bill's fate remains uncertain in the Senate.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports