Elon University
The prediction, in brief:

The new information infrastructure will not be created in a single step: neither by a massive infusion of public funds, nor with the private capital of a few tycoons, such as those who built the railroads. Rather the national, public broadband digital network will emerge from the “convergence” of the public telephone network, the cable television distribution system, and other networks such as the Internet.

Predictor: Kapor, Mitchell

Prediction, in context:

In a September 1991 submission to the Network Working Group’s Request for Comments (Request for Comments 1259), Mitchell Kapor, co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, writes: ”The new information infrastructure will not be created in a single step: neither by a massive infusion of public funds, nor with the private capital of a few tycoons, such as those who built the railroads. Rather the national, public broadband digital network will emerge from the ‘convergence’ of the public telephone network, the cable television distribution system, and other networks such as the Internet.”

Biography:

Mitchell Kapor founded the Lotus Development Corporation and also founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation with WELL (Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link) members John Perry Barlow and John Gilmore in 1990 in direct response to a threat to free speech. He was an outspoken supporter of open access to the Internet, and was asked to speak in many venues about the issue, including Congressional hearings. (Pioneer/Originator.)

Date of prediction: September 1, 1991

Topic of prediction: Information Infrastructure

Subtopic: Role of Govt./Industry

Name of publication: Requests For Comments

Title, headline, chapter name: Building the Open Road: The NREN As Test-Bed for the National Public Network

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.eff.org/Publications/Mitch_Kapor/nren_npn_nii_kapor_eff.rfc

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney