Although “the Internet” seems ethereal, it is in fact a network of networks that connects billions of users around the world. The capabilities of the Internet are dependent on the reach of those networks. Many governments worldwide are considering how to effectively and efficiently make robust networks available to their citizens to enable them to access the Internet.
"It takes the Internet into completely uncharted territory." — Tim Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia University
"It [the appeals court decision] leaves the Internet in completely uncharted territory. There's never been a situation where providers can block whatever they want. For example, it means AT&T can block people from reaching T-Mobile's customer service site if it wanted. They can do whatever they want." — Tim Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia University
"The net-neutrality rules now in place reinforce the Internet’s original design principle: that all traffic is carried equally and without any special charges beyond those of transmission. Among other things, the rules are a pricing truce for the Internet; without them, we can expect a fight that will serve no one’s interests and will ultimately stick consumers with Internet bills that rise with the same speed as cable television’s." — Tim Wu, Law professor, Columbia University
Select an Issue
TAP Academics
View all academics with expertise in Networks and Infrastructure
TAP Blog
Take a look at the top viewed blog posts from this past year that have been written by TAP scholars.
December 31, 2020
View all blog posts about Networks and Infrastructure
Upcoming Events
TPRC48: Research Conference on Communications, Information and Internet Policy
February 17, 2021,
Symposium: 25th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996—Looking Ahead to the Next Telecommunications Act
March 12, 2021,
View all upcoming events about Networks and Infrastructure
Fact Sheets
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.
View all fact sheets about Networks and Infrastructure
Featured Article
The author argues that the FCC should move towards a standards-based approach to overseeing digital networks.
September 21, 2009
View all articles on Networks and Infrastructure