It seems to me that we’re going to start using fiber the way we currently address air. Instead of switching, we’ll broadcast on fiber optic. We’ll be tuning in rather than processing all the bits. And instead of using a lot of switching intelligence in order to economize on bandwidth, we’re going to use bandwidth in order to economize on intelligence.
Predictor: Gilder, George
Prediction, in context:In a 1993 article for Wired magazine, executive editor Kevin Kelly interviews George Gilder, author of “Wealth and Poverty” and “Telecosm.” Kelly quotes Gilder: ”It seems to me that we’re going to start using fiber the way we currently address air. Instead of switching, we’ll broadcast on fiber optic. We’ll be tuning in rather than processing all the bits. And instead of using a lot of switching intelligence in order to economize on bandwidth, we’re going to use bandwidth in order to economize on intelligence.”
Biography:George Gilder was a pioneer the formulation of the theory of supply-side economics. In his major book “Microcosm” (1989), he explored the quantum roots of the new electronic technologies. His book “Life After Television,” published by W.W. Norton (1992), is a prophecy of computers and telecommunications displacing the broadcast-TV empire. He followed it with another classic, “Telecosm.” (Futurist/Consultant.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1993
Topic of prediction: Information Infrastructure
Subtopic: Pipeline/Switching/Hardware
Name of publication: Wired
Title, headline, chapter name: George Gilder: When Bandwidth is Free: The Dark Fiber Interview
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/1.04/gilder_pr.html
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney