Benjamin Lennett: All Publications, Events and Press

Comments of the New America Foundation - NBP Public Notice #13

OTI — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:45:00 -0500

PISC Reply Comments on Wireless Innovation

Wireless Future — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:07:00 -0500

On behalf of the Public Interest Spectrum Coalition, we are pleased to submit these reply comments regarding the Commission's Notice of Inquiry on Fostering Innovation and Investment in the Wireless Communications Market.^[1] As the Commission noted, the market for wireless broadband services has been evolving at an extraordinarily rapid pace and is delivering new and empowering technologies to American

Getting Connected

OTI — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:16:00 -0400

The current national discussion to expand access and use of broadband occurring in Washington has created an ideal time for foundations to become engaged in the issue. The current economic recession, combined with an unprecedented effort by government to directly invest in the deployment and adoption of broadband, provides an enormous opportunity for community foundations to help support beneficial projects and initiatives in communities across the country.

Mobile Data Demand and the Need for Increased Spectrum Access

Wireless Future — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:18:00 -0400

There is no doubt that consumer demand for mobile data applications is exploding worldwide. As Smartphones with PC capabilities and broadband aircards gain access to faster 4G networks beginning next year, total wireless data consumption will increase geometrically. Cisco’s annual projection of global Internet traffic predicts a 129% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for mobile data over the next five years in North America (through 2013).

Meeting consumer demand for mobile data will require some combination of four strategies:

Broadband Truth-in-Labeling

OTI — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:17:00 -0400

The Open Technology Initiative of the New America Foundation is calling for Truth-in-Labeling by our nation's broadband operators. Drawn from similar useful disclosure requirements by lenders, these Broadband Truth-in-Labeling disclosure standards will give the marketplace a much-needed tool that clarifies and adds meaning to the terms and conditions of the service being offered.

Comments of the New America Foundation - NBP Public Notice #1

OTI — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:58:00 -0400

Determining an appropriate definition of broadband is a critical part of the Commission's development of a National Broadband Plan. An appropriate definition is essential not only for establishing "what is broadband" and "where is it available," but also for shaping the future trajectory of telecommunications innovation in the United States. The Open Technology Initiative of the New America Foundation makes the following recommendations for the Commission to consider in defining broadband:

Broadband Infrastructure Application Guide for BIP

OTI — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:52:00 -0400

This guide has been prepared by the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Initiative as a reference guide for applications for the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). In addition to general information about the application process and eligibility requirements outlined in the July 1, 2009 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), this guide breaks down the application into categories of responsibility and a sample timeline. While not intended as a replacement for the

Broadband Infrastructure Application Guide for BTOP

OTI — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:33:00 -0400

This guide has been prepared by the New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative as a reference guide for applications for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). In addition to general information about the application process and eligibility requirements outlined in the July 1, 2009 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), this guide breaks down the application into categories of responsibility and a sample timeline. While not intended as

Sustainable Broadband Adoption Application Guide

OTI — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:50:00 -0400

This guide has been prepared by the New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative as a reference guide for applicants for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). In addition to general information about the application process and eligibility requirements outlined in the July 1, 2009 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), this guide breaks down the application into categories of responsibility and a sample timeline. While not intended as

Public Computer Centers Program Application Guide

OTI — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:56:00 -0400

Linking Broadband with Transportation Infrastructure: New America Foundation Applauds Klobuchar/Warner Bill

Communications — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:50:00 -0400

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced today that she will introduce legislation with U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) to promote more rapid, cost-effective expansion across the country of broadband networks that carry high-speed, high-capacity communications.

Comments on a National Broadband Plan

Wireless Future — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:11:00 -0400

In developing a national broadband plan to move the U.S. ahead in the 21^st century Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has an unprecedented opportunity to put in place polices that can both bring essential high-speed connectivity to those with limited or no access, and serve as the foundation for long-term broadband and technological innovation. It is critical that a forward-looking national broadband plan focus on the underlying infrastructures necessary to spur ubiquitous high-speed broadband. Public investment in fiber

New Bill Wants Fiber Conduit Built into Every Road Project | Ars Technica

Cecille Isidro — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:22:00 -0400

The idea is right out of the New America Foundation's playbook. The think tank has been pushing a similar idea for months; in an issue brief released in January 2009, authors Ben Lennett and Sascha Meinrath (who advised the Obama campaign on some tech ...

Opposition to Petitions for Reconsideration Re: Unlicensed Operation in TV White Space

Wireless Future — Thu, 14 May 2009 05:50:00 -0400

On behalf of the Public Interest Spectrum Coalition (PISC) and the Champaign Urbana Wireless Network ("Petitioners"), the New America Foundation and Public Knowledge respectfully submit the following Opposition to Petitions for Reconsideration of the Commission's TV band white space rules. We oppose the Petitions by incumbent spectrum users, both authorized and unauthorized, to revisit the Order's central balance between protecting licensed incumbent services and opening this "vast wasteland" of underutilized spectrum on a

Recommendations to Commission's Rural Broadband Strategy

Wireless Future — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:48:00 -0400

March 25, 2009

Via Electronic Mail

Marlene H. Dortch
Office of the Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554

Re: Rural Broadband Strategy (GN Docket No. 09-29)

Dear Ms. Dortch:

Petition for Reconsideration Re: Unlicensed Operation in TV White Space

Wireless Future — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:40:00 -0400

Before the
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20554

In the Matter of

Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands
ET Docket No. 04-186

Additional Spectrum for Unlicensed Devices
Below 900 MHZ and in the 3 GHz Band
ET Docket No. 02-380

The Cost of 'Free' Internet Access | Parade Magazine

Cecille Isidro — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:37:00 -0500

Public Wi-Fi will likely expand only with help from local or federal funds. "A model that relies on advertising is not going to be successful," says Ben Lennett of the nonpartisan New America Foundation. "Governments will have to finance this service if citizens want it." Original article

Let's Get to Work on Rural Broadband | Lincoln Journal Star

Cecille Isidro — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:07:00 -0500

“When it comes to broadband revenue,” notes Benjamin Lennett, a telecom policy expert at Washington, D.C.’s non-partisan New America Foundation, “we have the costliest broadband in the world.“ Original article

Broadband Stimulus: New America Releases Paper "Building a 21st Century Broadband Superhighway," Panel Debates House Bill

Communications — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:29:00 -0500

Washington, DC -- Last Friday the New America Foundation hosted a debate on proposals to spur investment in broadband in the upcoming economic stimulus bill. There were clear differences on how best to encourage investment and the merits of placing conditions on federal subsidies, which you can view at the video highlights below.

Building a 21st Century Broadband Superhighway

Wireless Future — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:40:00 -0500