The prediction, in brief:

If users have more control over the uses of the networks, these new opportunities are more likely to get the early nurturance they need to turn into big, recognizable business opportunities. To accomplish this, we should consider a process for setting aside experimental frequencies on broadband networks for developing significant new uses.

Predictor: Kapor, Mitchell

Prediction, in context:

In a 1993 article for Wired magazine, Mitchell Kapor, a co-founder of the Electronic Freedom Foundation, writes:”If users have more control over the uses of the networks, these new opportunities are more likely to get the early nurturance they need to turn into big, recognizable business opportunities. To accomplish this, we should consider a process for setting aside experimental frequencies on broadband networks for developing significant new uses. This approach is gaining favor in the wireless world, where the FCC is now granting valuable Pioneer’s Preferences for such developments, and it should be considered for adoption in broadband as well.”

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: January 1, 1993

Topic of prediction: Information Infrastructure

Subtopic: General

Name of publication: Wired

Title, headline, chapter name: Where is the Digital Highway Really Heading? The Case for a Jeffersonian Information Policy

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/1.03/kapor.on.nii_pr.html

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