The commercial experiments just beginning on the Internet provides one source of innovation. Deployment of a national ISDN platform in the next few years represents another relatively inexpensive seed bed. As such experiments demonstrate more of a proven demand for public network services, it should be possible for the private sector to make the investments to build the broadband NPN using experience from the NREN.
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 commercial experiments just beginning on the Internet provides one source of innovation. Deployment of a national ISDN platform in the next few years represents another relatively inexpensive seed bed. As such experiments demonstrate more of a proven demand for public network services, it should be possible for the private sector to make the investments to build the broadband NPN using experience from the NREN.”
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