An end-to-end Internet
Doc Searls has challenged the presidential candidates to come out in support of an end-to-end Internet that is free from carrier control of what flows over the connections they offer. This based on a Lawrence Lessig article, A Threat To Innovation On the Web. In December 2002, Vermont's Public Service Board led the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners to endorse a call for open neutral access to the Internet. Nice to see the state that Howard Dean governed for 11 years leading the way, but the important point is that there will be an important policy battle over whether carriers can control what people use their networks to do and learn.
I think this is critically important, but the discussion is unnecessarily limited to the wired or broadband Internet. As handsets evolve, we're getting more and more information through our mobile phones and in that industry, almost everything is controlled by the carrier, because they often set the stage for what is easily accessible in that tiny little screen. I moderated a panel on this topic for the Washington Software Association last month and whenthe article about this event is posted, I'll point to it.
We need open networks between all people for our polity and our economy to grow and evolve.
Posted by Mitch Ratcliffe at July 7, 2003 09:57 AM | TrackBack