• The Consumer Electronics Association says Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will deliver a preshow keynote address at the 2011 International CES. In previous years, Microsoft has used the CES keynote stage to launch major products including Xbox, Windows Vista and its Sync technology partnership with Ford. The full line-up of 2011 CES keynote addresses will be announced in the coming months.
• The FCC will take up the use of the 2 GHz, Big LEO and L-bands, which are used for mobile satellite services, at its next open commission meeting on July 15. The commission also will take up reforms to the Universal Service Rural Health Care Fund to expand the reach and use of broadband connectivity by healthcare providers and look at switching from paper to electronic filing.
• Mobile technology company cMoney has received a commitment of $100 million in funding from AGS Capital Group of New York City. The investment is expected to support the expansion of the company as well as the launch of C$ cMoney, a mobile platform for the financial services.
• Ciena says Chief Strategy Officer James Frodsham will assume responsibility for the company's ongoing integration of the acquired optical and Carrier Ethernet assets of Nortel's Metro Ethernet Networks (MEN) business. Frodsham led the deal team for the acquisition and has since remained central to integration planning and execution. Frodsham is replacing Chief Integration Officer Arthur Smith, who previously announced his plans to resign.
• Alaska Airlines is now offering Aircell's Wi-Fi service on more than half its aircraft, including all 55 of its Boeing 737-800s and 10 of its 737-900s. The service will be available on the airline's remaining two 737-900s by the end of July. The aircraft fly throughout Alaska's network, including all transcontinental routes.
• Tribune Media Services (TMS) announced a partnership with Placecast that will allow mobile application developers using the Placecast MatchAPI to integrate TMS movie showtimes and theater locations into their offerings.