We know, you probably forgot that a certain smartphone from General Dynamics was even in the running for NSA approval earlier this year, but lo and behold, the Q4 estimate was actually met and the coveted thumbs-up was given to the (totally unfashionable) Sectera Edge. The National Security Agency has reportedly "awarded a contract to General Dynamics C4 Systems enabling military and government users to order" the mobile, and just in case you weren't aware of how lucrative an indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity agreement could be, this particular one has a "potential value of $300 million over five years." Folks that end up with one of these things will have handheld access to the US government's Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) and Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet), but oddly enough, we're not told whether top secret agencies will be kosher with third-party applications.

[Via CNET]

If fingerprint readers and eight layers of passwords aren't secure enough for you (or your employer), the National Security Agency is reportedly nearing the end of the approval process for a duo of "secure handheld voice and data communications devices." General Dynamics, more commonly know for its array of laptops, is eagerly awaiting the thumbs-up to be given to its Sectera Edge (pictured), while L-3 Communications' Guardian should actually be available in Q4 of this year. With the coveted NSA seal of approval, "the Defense Department will be cleared to buy the devices under an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract," but judging by the unsightly designs we're seeing on these things, don't bet on employees lining up to snag one.

In yet another twist to the unfolding telephone spying story, two reporters from ABC News were apparently told by a "senior law enforcement official" that their cellphones were being tapped so that the government could track down their confidential sources. The reporters were warned to get new cellphones as quickly as possible if they wanted to maintain their sources' anonymity. We, of course, follow that advice and get new cellphones all the time. Not because we think anyone is listening in, but because we just have this compulsion we can't shake. However, if the Feds want to listen in on our calls and find out who's been leaking all of that juicy Treo info, they can feel free. Trust us, they'll be very surprised by what they learn.

If you make most of your calls via cellphone, there's a good chance your call records aren't being provided to the National Security Agency -- if, that is, you're using Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile and most of your calls are between you and other cellphone users. Both companies say they haven't supplied data to the government, with T-Mob specifically stating that it was not involved "in any NSA program for warrant-less surveillance and acquisition of call records, and T-Mobile has not provided any such access to communications or customer records." If you're a Cingular or Sprint Nextel customer, well, it looks like you're in the same boat as the vast majority of landline users: those companies refused to deny participation in the NSA program.