After 1992, private companies will manage an ever-greater share of the NREN … The NSF should use both carrot and stick to encourage as much interconnection as possible. For example, the NSF could make funding to NREN backbone carriers contingent on participation in an internetwork exchange agreement that would serve as a framework for a standards-based environment. As the NREN is implemented, some formal affirmation of fair access is needed – ideally by an “Internet Exchange Association” formed to settle common rules and standards … This association should decide upon a “basket” of standard services – including messaging, directories, international connections, access to information providers, billing, and probably more – that are guaranteed for universal interconnection.
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: ”After 1992, private companies will manage an ever-greater share of the NREN [National Research and Education Network] cables and switches.The NSF should use both carrot and stick to encourage as much interconnection as possible. For example, the NSF could make funding to NREN backbone carriers contingent on participation in an internetwork exchange agreement that would serve as a framework for a standards-based environment. As the NREN is implemented, some formal affirmation of fair access is needed – ideally by an ‘Internet Exchange Association’ formed to settle common rules and standards. (Their efforts, if strong enough, could forestall a costly, wasteful crazy-quilt of new regulations from the FCC and 50 State Public Utilities Commissions.) This association should decide upon a ‘basket’ of standard services – including messaging, directories, international connections, access to information providers, billing, and probably more – that are guaranteed for universal interconnection. The Commercial Internet Exchange (CIX) formed in 1991 by three commercial inter-networking carriers represents a substantive, initial move in this direction.”
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