What Periscope Reveals About US Telecom Infrastructure

[Commentary] When Periscope exploded onto the scene in April, it quickly set a new industry standard for the possibilities of video-streaming. Launched by Twitter, Periscope carries significant potential to change not only the speed and intimacy by which we interact, but to ultimately redefine the power of citizen journalism. Amplified by Spotify’s newly announced video-streaming service and the recent launch of Reddit’s own video curation service, the demand for digital video shows no signs of slowing down, leaving us with a very important question: can the current telecommunications infrastructure keep up with consumer data demand?

If the US can shell out billions of dollars to ensure its public safety agencies have 21st century wireless networks like FirstNet, surely the same can be done for its people. Because yes, in summary, we can be prepared for video-streaming en masse -- but, in reality, telecom companies are choosing not to be. The real question is why? The responsibility falls to those of us who work in these fields, who understand how these networks and systems function, to continue asking the tough questions and holding the overarching telecom industry accountable. The future of Periscope  --  and mobile app innovation at large -- may very well depend on it.

[Vienna Rye is strategist and activist in NYC]