October 2014

The Un-Tragedy of the Commons and Bandwidth Abundance: Reflections on the Pew Study on Killer Apps in the Gigabit Age

[Commentary] From Champaign Urbana to the Research Triangle Park, from Louisville to College Station, from Connecticut to New Mexico to Maine, dozens of communities have recognized that the broadband networks they use today will not be sufficient in the years ahead. They also recognized that current market forces were unlikely to deliver the abundant bandwidth they would soon need. Therefore, they have taken action to change those market dynamics. These efforts are designed to prepare the communities for a future dependent on much greater bandwidth. No one, however, knows for certain what that future will bring. We can, however, know more by reviewing the Pew Research Center study on Killer Apps in the Gigabit Age.

Mysterious Campaign Appears to be the Latest Salvo in Battle Over Net Neutrality

Onward Internet may be the latest stealth entrant in the increasingly nasty battle over net neutrality, which will determine how the government regulates Internet providers. The production agency for Onward Internet wouldn't say who their client is, but an employee for the company that rented the space for the Hayes Valley installation let slip that "It's something called the National Cable and Telecommunications Association" – the principal trade group for the telecom industry.

Telecom companies have been the fiercest opponents of a proposal under which the government would treat broadband like a utility, making it easier for regulators to keep internet providers from blocking certain sites or saddling some content providers with slower speeds or higher fees. It's unclear what the lobbying giant hopes to get out of this particular campaign, but the Onward Internet website, call-in line and Twitter feed are collecting messages of support from visitors who would have no way of knowing they're backing a telecom industry campaign.

O’Rielly Nominated for Second FCC Term

President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Michael P. O’Rielly to continue as a commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission.

FCC Commissioner O’Rielly has been at the Commission since November 2013. Prior to this, he was a Policy Advisor in the Office of the Senate Republican Whip led by Sen John Cornyn (R-TX) in 2013. He held various positions in the Republican Whip Office led by Sen Jon Kyl (R-AZ) from 2010 to 2012, including Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy Director, and Advisor. O’Rielly worked for the Republican Policy Committee in the United States Senate as the Banking, Technology, Transportation, Trade, and Commerce Analyst from 2009 to 2010. He worked in the Office of Sen John Sununu (R-NH) as the Legislative Director from 2007 to 2009 and as a Senior Legislative Assistant from 2003 to 2007. O’Rielly served as a Professional Staff Member on the House Commerce Committee from 1995 to 2003. He began his career as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Congressman Tom Bliley (R-VA) from 1994 to 1995. O’Rielly received a B.A. from the University of Rochester.

High-tech pay gap: Minorities earn less in skilled jobs

Hispanics, Asians and blacks are not getting equal pay for equal work in the high-tech industry. That's the finding of new research that shows Hispanics earn $16,353 a year less on average than their colleagues who are not Hispanic. In the same high-skilled positions such as computer programmers and software developers, Asians make $8,146 less than whites and blacks $3,656 less than whites, according to the report from the American Institute for Economic Research.

Rep Ellison invokes Ferguson as argument against 'fast lanes'

Rep Keith Ellison (D-MN), the co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called for the Federal Communications Commission to regulate broadband Internet service as a public utility. He invoked the racially charged protests in Ferguson (MO) to argue against a proposed rule to create Internet "fast lanes" for companies willing to pay for them. He said making Internet service a public utility would support social justice and economic equality in minority communities.

Sen Blumenthal: Regulations needed to prevent ‘cramming’

Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) called for stronger regulations and oversight to prevent companies from “cramming” -- charging customers for services they didn’t request.

“Voluntary guidelines have failed to curb this pervasive nuisance, and even with this consent decree, strong federal regulations and ongoing oversight are needed,” he said. “Carriers who continue to profit from allowing third-parties to deceive their customers through cramming must take notice and reform their practices immediately -- or face harsh penalties.” Sen Blumenthal has co-sponsored the Fair Telephone Billing Act, which would prohibit phone providers from charging customer for any third-party fees.

Former Rep Pickering to lead tech company push against ‘fast lanes’

Former Rep Chip Pickering (R-MS), who currently leads the Comptel communications trade group, is leading the new Internet Freedom Business Alliance, a coalition of tech companies, realtors and start-ups pushing for strong rules for the Internet.

Companies including Tumblr, Reddit and Etsy have signed on as founding members of the alliance, which is singularly focused on network neutrality, the concept that Internet service providers should be prohibited from giving people different service depending on which websites they visit. The group seems to be targeting conservatives by pushing a “free market” agenda.

Political Ad Funding Most Mysterious in Kansas

Kansas has seen the greatest number of ads for state-level political office, such as lieutenant governors and state treasurers, from groups that do not disclose their donors. Secretive groups account for more than half of the spending in that state's competitive race for governor. But, Kansas, is not alone. More than $9 million in ads have come from such anonymous groups in races for governor and state legislatures in 16 states, according to an analysis released by the nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity. The bulk of the spending for next month's elections is yet to come.

Kevin Spacey Says Digital Platforms Are Killing the TV Pilot -- and That's a Great Thing

Kevin Spacey made headlines when he agreed to star in the Netflix original series House of Cards -- and then made even more headlines when the critically acclaimed show began winning Emmy's and Golden Globes. Spacey was the keynote speaker at SapientNitro's Idea Exchange Dinner during Advertising Week, where he delighted the crowd with his thoughts on creating for digital platforms.

Here are four things Frank Underwood wants you to know about how to play politics with online creative.

There's Just One Difference Between Filming for TV and a Digital Web Series
Web Content Is Creating a New, Connected Audience
Great Ideas Are Ushering in the 'Third Golden Age of Television'
Virtual Reality Is Making Room for Ingenuity

Time Warner Cable Shareholders Approve Comcast Merger

Time Warner Cable shareholders approved the cable operator’s pending merger with Comcast in a special meeting in New York. According to TWC, more than 99% of votes were cast in favor of the deal.

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