I am still waiting for Ricochet
I was just looking at the news around the web and I was hit by a thought. What is going on with Aerie Networks and Ricochet? Well I did check out their web site and found a special section for Ricochet.

The page states "...The Ricochet network was originally deployed in 17 major U.S. cities and operated in 14 of those cities. The Company is actively seeking new partners to help turn the service back on where it once existed and to expand and install new networks in areas where affordable, broadband access is currently unavailable. Reactivation of existing markets and deployment to new markets will be announced shortly..."

Cross your fingers!

Just got back from Corp-Sec
A little con that happened on Thursday was Corp-Sec. It was planned rather quickly and wasn't a kiddie con, to it didn't attract the hugest crowd. It did however have some good speakers and panelists. It was cool that we got to talk to Kevin Mitnick and Dark Tangent. There were some cool pieces of swag given out by RSA networks, Intrusion.com and eAladdin. After the con, I went to the local TGI Fridays and had some drinks with some of 23.org and others. Props to Noid and all the speakers/panelists.

Those wacky COMDEX people!
While browsing Cnet News.com today I saw that they are reporting that the organizers at Comdex retracted the statement about laptops. The original statement said that they wouldn't allow bags, briefcases... laptops. Maybe from a flood of complaints from news people and just regular computer enthusiasts made them change their mind. The organizers did stress again, "there will be no bags allowed from the outside and they will not be checking bags either. Leave them in your hotel room." So, we still will get to play with all those open 802.11b APs.

Comdex Security
Now that Comdex is right on top of us, more and more info has been released. One of the things that CNET stated was "In an effort to improve security after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the organizers of next week's Comdex trade show have banned the most ubiquitous of technology tools: laptop computers." By looking at the official Comdex site, I saw the statement Please leave bags, briefcases, backpacks, laptops, etc. at home or in your hotel room. Please remember that once inside the exhibit halls, you can carry the product literature you collect in one of the many plastic bags that exhibitors distribute to attendees.

It isn't really clear if they will ban laptops but I am curious, what will reporters do? Will PDAs be banned also? Will the 802.11b reach outside :) ?

Ricochet Network News
"Denver-based broadband provider Aerie has indicated it intends to restore some portions of the Ricochet network, perhaps in its home state of Colorado and California." CNET reports. CNET also went on to say "The deal, approved in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Friday, is expected to be finalized by the end of next week. Under the deal, Aerie receives Metricom's assets, except for about $134 million the company has in the bank, which is dedicated to creditors"

I haven't seen any further updates on the network propagation or when it will even go up but I know that a lot of us have been waiting for this to happen. I had my modem for three weeks before the network went down, that really got me upset. Now that it is going back up, it will help me have access on the road.