-The market for digital subscriber line (DSL) loops to provide broadband services is poised for explosive growth. Industry forecasts predict that up to 50 million customers may be connected to the Internet via DSL services within four years. Service providers face a significant challenge in supporting this rate of growth. (Communications News Nov 00)

- IT training is an excellent match with the goal of community colleges - promoting economic development, says John Avakian San Mateo College direr of new media. Not only are community colleges geared toward 19-25 year-olds, but they can also teach students to analyze, communicate and research - valuable skills that private industry training does not provide. The problem is they are not doing enough to attract these students. (Chronicle of Higher Education Online, 16 Nov 00)

- A two-way satellite-based Internet service, Starband, has been launched to serve those who live outside of DSL or cable networks. This service believes that it will appeal to the more than 50 million U.S. households that are not located within high-speed Internet areas. This is the first system that allows for the transmission as well as reception of data through satellite dishes. Other satellite Internet connections use a regular dial-up connection when users send information from their computers to the Web. (Washington Post, 6 Nov 00)

- Many universities and schools are using online technology, like data warehousing and data mining to help with class management, performance tracking and more flexible class schedules for students. They are also beginning to use online procurement portals to streamline purchasing and reduce costs. Schools are continuing to explore other avenues of use to more fully utilize computer and software capabilities. In a recent InternetWeek survey only 20% of respondents had an extranet or an Internet-based supply chain, only 25% maintained an enterprise portal and only 33 1/3% participated in e-commerce. (InternetWeek, 30 Oct 00)

- The more than 180 universities and 70 companies that are part of the Internet2 research network are developing numerous technologies that should greatly improve the Internet. These include: producing 3D images of the brain using MRI scanners, and using videoconferencing that will run over a 768 connection and allow users to clearly see the facial expressions and body language of those at remote sites. (Potomac Tech Journal, 30 Oct. 00)

- The Acorn Housing Project in Oakland, CA is the recipient of IBM low-margin Internet hardware and training. This is a collaborative effort of IBM, the City of Oakland Residence Council and the federal Welfare to Work Program. It has effectively helped adult residents search for jobs and has also become a valuable educational resource for young people. (InfoWorld.com, 27 Oct 00)