Research dollars should be kept for research networks that will expand our understanding of how to do high-speed networking, not for subsidizing existing network services. Conversely, users who depend on the Internet for routine work should not have the reliability of their services compromised by the inevitable vagaries of a research network under development. The research network should certainly be interconnected with the production network, but their operation and funding should be kept as separate as possible.
Predictor: Kapor, Mitchell
Prediction, in context:In a 1992 appearance before a House subcommittee reviewing the management and operation of the National Science Foundation’s NSFNet, Electronic Frontier Foundation co-founder Mitchell Kapor states: ”Funds allocated for work on advanced network engineering should be targeted exclusively to the development of high-speed gigabit networking technology. An important part of the NREN will be an experimental, high-speed research network which is capable of sending data many times faster than the current NSFNet. But this new research network should not be confused with the existing ‘production’ network now called the NSFNet. Research dollars should be kept for research networks that will expand our understanding of how to do high-speed networking, not for subsidizing existing network services. Conversely, users who depend on the Internet for routine work should not have the reliability of their services compromised by the inevitable vagaries of a research network under development. The research network should certainly be interconnected with the production network, but their operation and funding should be kept as separate as possible.”
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: March 12, 1992
Topic of prediction: Information Infrastructure
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology Hearing
Title, headline, chapter name: Hearing on the Management and Operation of the NSFNet by the National Science Foundation
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.eff.org/Publications/Mitch_Kapor/nsfnet_written_kapor_eff_hr_031292.testimony
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney