Networks and Infrastructure

Broadband

“Broadband” refers to high-speed data networks that allow users to access Internet services such as streaming media, VoIP, etc. Broadband is often defined by regulators based on the data rates or “speed” the network provides. The speeds which define broadband have changed – and will continue to change – as technologies improve and infrastructure investments continue.

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TAP Blog

University of Chicago law professor Omri Ben-Shahar questions the FCC’s quest to regulate privacy for Internet providers.
Georgetown University professor Paul Ohm and Georgia Tech professor Peter Swire provided this week’s Senate hearing with their thoughts on the FCC’s Proposed Rules for regulating Internet privacy.
At a U.S. Senate Hearing that will examine the FCC’s proposal for Internet service provider customer privacy, Georgia Tech privacy and cyberlaw scholar Peter Swire will share his knowledge about ISPs and privacy.
Professor Kevin Werbach, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, discusses why he supports FCC Chairman Wheeler’s proposed approach of using authority under Section 706 of the Communications Act to protect the open Internet.
Professor Shane Greenstein, Northwestern University, discusses a just-released report about data caps from the FCC’s Open Internet Advisory Committee. As a member of this committee and the sub-group, the Economic Impacts working group, Professor Greenstein has first-hand knowledge of the development of this report.
During Silicon Flatirons’ Digital Broadband Migration conference earlier this year, Phil Weiser, the Center’s Executive Director, discussed the cable industry with Glenn Britt, Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner Inc. Topics included the regulatory environment effecting the cable industry; the developing social contract between Internet providers and consumers; and Internet privacy issues.
Two weeks ago, experts in business, technology, law and government convened for the eleventh annual Silicon Flatirons Digital Broadband Migration Conference on the dynamics of disruptive innovation to discuss the rapidly evolving nature of the Internet ecosystem. Given that the Internet is a source of enormous benefit to consumers and challenges to existing business models, policymakers and regulators, the sessions were quite engaging. A summary and links to videos of the sessions are provided.
At Friday’s Free State Foundation’s third annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference, Law Professor Christopher Yoo joined a panel of public and private sector industry experts in the debate of broadband policy, one year after the Natonal Broadband Plan. Additional panel and keynotes looked at spectrum reform, and the FCC’s regulatory authority and policies. Video of events is available.

Upcoming Events

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Fact Sheets

Broadband Access and Infrastructure

High-speed Internet access – often referred to as “broadband” – is a set of technologies that, taken together, are recognized as a potential catalyst for global economic and social change.

Quote

How Will COVID-19 Change the World by 2025? How Remote Learning Changes Education

"To close the digital divide, the federal government needs to view broadband like the US Postal Service when it was first developed, concentrating on connecting all citizens rather than just communities where the service makes economic sense." — Randal Picker, Professor of Law, University of Chicago

Randal Picker
Futurity
May 6, 2020

Featured Article

Does Working from Home Work? Evidence from a Chinese Experiment

Firms and economists disagree as to whether allowing employees to work from home is a good practice. This study shows that many workers are more productive when working from home; however, home workers may be promoted less often.

By: Nicholas Bloom, D. John Roberts, James Liang, Zhichun Jenny Ying