(Business 2.0) – BROADBAND Electrifying the Net

Telecom and cable Internet service providers may face a new challenge from an old-fashioned electrical utility in the United Kingdom. Scottish Hydro-Electric is set to begin one of the largest tests yet: It will deliver broadband to 3,000 households in Stonehaven, Scotland. Early May

WORKFORCE Last Call for H-1B Visas

High-tech companies that rely on foreign programmers may find themselves short-staffed if the economy picks up in 2004. Unless a compromise is reached, the nationwide cap on H-1B visas will decline from 195,000 workers to 65,000 next year. Early May

HOMELAND SECURITY Tech vs. Terror

Worldwide, governments will spend $550 billion on security this year. Are they getting their money's worth? Former CIA director James Woolsey weighs in at the Terror and Technology Expo, an online conference taking place at www.tatevent.com. May 12-15

HEALTH Marlboro Man in Exile?

At the World Health Organization's annual meeting in Geneva, delegates will consider a global ban on cigarette advertising. The goal: stamping out smoking-related illnesses. Opposition will likely come from China, Germany, and the United States. May 19-28

INTERNET Prospecting in Budapest

Most European economies are in the dumps, but the reconstruction of Eastern Europe continues to create high-tech business development opportunities. As Hungary readies to join the E.U., entrepreneurs will flock to Budapest for the WWW2003 conference, a nexus for uber-geeks and industry early adopters. May 20-24

MEDIA XM on Target?

Tune in to XM Satellite Radio's annual shareholder meeting to find out if the fledgling company is meeting its own aggressive growth targets. The big riddle: How will the D.C.-based broadcaster hit its goal of 1 million subscribers--double its current base--by year's end? May 22

SPORT Less Traffic at Indy

To make racing more accessible, the owners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have imposed cost controls on participating teams. But the effort may backfire. Only 33 drivers are likely to try to qualify for this year's Indy 500--the fewest in decades. May 25

SPACE Beagle Hunts for Martians

The shuttles are grounded, but unmanned missions continue as Beagle 2 blasts off for Mars. A joint venture between the European Space Agency and private-sector firms like Astrium and Wellcome Trust, the $50 million probe will search for signs of life. Early June