The prediction, in brief:

As policymakers debate the role of the public telephone and other existing information networks in the nation’s information infrastructure, the NREN can serve as a working test-bed for new technologies, applications, and governing policies that will ultimately shape the larger national network.

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 United States Congress is now taking a critical step toward what I call the National Public Network, with its authorization of the National Research and Education Network (NREN, pronounced “en-ren”). Not only will the NREN meet the computer and communication needs of scientists, researchers, and educators, but also, if properly implemented, it could demonstrate how a broadband network can be used in the future. As policymakers debate the role of the public telephone and other existing information networks in the nation’s information infrastructure, the NREN can serve as a working test-bed for new technologies, applications, and governing policies that will ultimately shape the larger national network.”

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: Pipeline/Switching/Hardware

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