The fact that Google is working on a suite of applications including maps, e-mail, social networking features and video that is optimized for the wireless experience has sparked expectations for a Google-branded mobile phone or a new Google-powered set of wireless services. This is seen as a move on Google’s part to claim a larger piece of the wireless world.

Google is expected to announce advanced software and services designed to pave the way for Google-powered phones by the middle of 2008. However, the truth to the matter remains to be seen since analysts have been quick to recognize that the development of applications by Google has been going on for quite sometime.

The US seems to be slowing down on broadband adoption as compared to other countries like South Korea and Canada who have faster and cheaper broadband connections with more of their population connected. A bill has already been introduced to provide policy makers with improved data so that grants and subsidies can be given to target areas that are lacking high speed Internet access.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee have approved a legislation that would develop an annual inventory of existing broadband services. They are interested in knowing the types, advertised speeds and actual number of subscribers as made available to households and businesses across the country. The promotion of broadband is expected to spur job growth, access to health care and education and promote innovation.