Open Technology Initiative

Both President-Elect Barack Obama and Congressional leaders have discussed including government support to promote high-speed broadband access as part of the upcoming economic stimulus package. This has prompted a flood of proposals and ideas from advocates of all sides of the broadband debate. Economic stimulus should be timely, temporary and targeted. But who should this stimulus target and how can we spur investments that will create both short-term economic growth and long-term economic prosperity in the 21st century?

The Open Technology Initiative (OTI) formulates policy and regulatory reforms to support open architectures and open source innovations and facilitates the development and implementation of open technologies and communications networks.

Technology evangelists believe that Barack Obama has the potential to fundamentally alter communication between the presidency and the people. Wikis in the White House? Online public comments on legislation? A real-time two-way conversation between citizens and their elected officials?

For better or worse, however, nothing is as easy as it might seem. Federal regulations, First Amendment issues, and just plain common sense are going to slow -- and potentially stagnate -- technological innovation in Washington.

We live in a civil society - a place where primary education is freely available to all, where anyone can enjoy a walk through our public parks or down our sidewalks and freely drive through the streets. Libraries across the country loan out books for free - literature that you can read on a spring day in our parks or beneath the streetlights on main street on a warm summer's evening. You don't have to tip the firemen who show up at your house or pay… more

Research Fellow, Open Technology Initiative

As a Research Fellow for the Open Technology Initiative at the New America Foundation, Victor Pickard focuses on spectrum policy reform, technology-enabled journalism, and telecommunications policy.  He also provides research and analysis for policies geared toward implementing universal broadband access in the United States.

A Unique Opportunity for Ireland

The Internet is dramatically changing how we communicate, how we engage in commerce, and how we participate in the broader society. It is breaking down barriers to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. It is also transforming democracy, creating the impetus for more inclusive democratic processes, and allowing for widespread participation by individual citizens on a level unseen previously. But the benefits of this communications medium accrue only to those with access. Thus, Ireland

November 3, 2008

Ms. Marlene H. Dortch Secretary Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St. SW Washington, DC 20554

Re: In the Matter of Implementation of Section 304 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Commercial Availability of Navigation Devices, Compatibility Between Cable Systems and Consumer Electronics Equipment, CS Docket No. 97-80, PP Docket No. 00-67

Dear Ms. Dortch:

Over the past several years, interest in municipal wireless and community networking has increased dramatically. Thus far, these initiatives have generally focused on networking local communities. The next evolution in networking involves peering these networks together. Research on broadband service provision is desperately needed to help forge new national telecommunications policies and inspire innovation in networking technologies.

With this goal in mind, the Cooperative Association for Internet Data Analysis (“CAIDA”) held a workshop to discuss -- and ultimately propose -- collaboration… more

Policy Analyst, Wireless Future Program
As a Policy Analyst for the Wireless Future Program & the Open Technology Initiative at the New America Foundation, Benjamin Lennett contributes to the program’s efforts to develop and advocate policy proposals aimed at achieving universal and affordable wireless broadband access through policy research, writing, and outreach.