The Information Superhighway: A Delicate Balance Between Democratization and Regulation

Strategic Insights -

Civil libertarians and consumer advocates promote the idea of the information superhighway as a platform for "electronic democracy," with Vice President Al Gore and powerful members of Congress sympathetic to this egalitarian vision. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, the Center for Media Education, and the Consumer Federation of America have outlined their "public-interest" visions for the data highway, emphasizing interactivity, open access, and universal service. However, the pursuit of regulatory constraints and top-down controls could lead to an information highway that no one wants to travel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Interactivity is a crucial aspect of the information superhighway, with organizations advocating for interactive services like e-mail. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) argues that the data superhighway should offer more than just one-way information transmission.
  • Open access and diversity are essential for ensuring that the voices of the disenfranchised are included in the networks. Organizations propose reserving a substantial number of lanes for non-commercial purposes, much like public-access channels on cable systems.
  • Universal service is a key objective, with the establishment of a board of federal and state regulators to set up a schedule of subsidies for residents in impoverished areas to afford information services.
  • Digital switches that would speed data transmissions already exist on conventional telephone systems through the Internet and commercial services like CompuServe and Prodigy.
  • Video images do not transmit well over telephone networks, requiring the installation of fiber-optic cable into every home, which would cost at least $400 billion and take up to 40 years.
  • Cable companies, long-distance providers, and the Baby Bells are constrained by federal regulations and propose open-access requirements, which could lead to a phony type of diversity.

Statistics:

  • $40 billion would be required to add digital switches to the current telephone system, without the need for fiber-optic cable.
  • Running fiber-optic cable into every home would cost at least $400 billion and take up to 40 years.
  • 25% of the capacity of phone companies must be set aside for non-commercial services, such as public broadcasting and city council meetings, under Rep. Edward Markey's bill.
  • The Baby Bells oppose Mr. Markey's bill, with U.S. West chairman Richard McCormick preferring the current regulatory structure.

Sources:

  • Electron-Library (undated)
  • Campbell-Lux (undated)
  • This Technology Update (undated)
  • North Carolina State Board of Education (undated)