Save the Date: 2012 TPI Aspen Forum, August 19 - 21
January 5, 2012 - The Technology Policy Institute's 2012 Aspen Forum will be held August 19 - 21 at the St. Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen, Colorado.
Recent Events
- Online Search, Antitrust and Google: In Search of a Pro-Consumer Policy
- Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum
- Spectrum Incentive Auctions: the Nuts, Bolts and Economics
- Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports
- Retrans Redux: The Economics of Retransmission Consent
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What's New
Online Activities Crowding Out Socializing, Relaxing
November 21, 2011 - Online leisure time is beginning to crowd out other, offline activities such as socializing, relaxing and watching traditional television, finds Scott Wallsten in "What Are We Not Doing When We're Online?" released today by the Technology Policy Institute. Leisure time spent watching online video appears to be taking the place of traditional television viewing, albeit not rapidly or as ubiquitously as some have claimed. In addition, younger people are rapidly abandoning email and replacing it with texting and social networking applications.
CAF Should Incorporate Cost-Effectiveness in Subsidy Distribution
September 30, 2011 - The proposed Connect America Fund intended to provide broadband to high-cost areas should abandon a cost-based approach in favor of a value-based approach in which subsidies depend on whether the incremental benefits are worth the cost, argues Scott Wallsten in "How to Create a More Efficient CAF by Incorporating Demand and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis," released today by the Technology Policy Institute. A cost-effectiveness analysis focused on willingness to pay and incremental effects can ensure the CAF is more efficient than the current universal service high-cost fund.
Permanent Tax Credit Needed to Boost Research and Development
September 20, 2011 - Government funding for research and development should focus on activities that would not happen otherwise to avoid crowding out private sources of funding, stated Scott Wallsten in testimony today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. During the hearing, "Tax Reform Options: Incentives for Innovation," Wallsten suggested that a permanent tax credit for qualified R&D would help stimulate additional innovation in the private sector.
Event - Online Search, Antitrust and Google: In Search of a Pro-Consumer Policy
September 6, 2011 - Tech companies that become dominant inevitably come into the antitrust cross-hairs. Google is the latest example and is now the subject of investigations in both the U.S. and Europe over allegations it has abused its dominant position in online search and other businesses. At "Online Search, Antitrust and Google: In Search of a Pro-Consumer Policy," hosted by the Technology Policy Institute, a distinguished group of experts will discuss the complex issues the antitrust agencies must address in their review of Google. Topics will include market definition, market power, existence and effects of "search bias", the availability of effective remedies, and, ultimately, what is in the consumer's best interest.
TPI Aspen Forum Videos Now Available
August 25, 2011 - Webcasts are now available of the discussion panels and keynote speakers at the Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum. TPI's Aspen Forum brought together notable representatives from business, government, and academia in a relaxed, informal setting to discuss and debate the key public policy issues surrounding information and communications technology.
Event - Online Search, Antitrust and Google: In Search of a Pro-Consumer Policy
August 25, 2011 - Tech companies that become dominant inevitably come into the antitrust cross-hairs. Google is the latest example and is now the subject of investigations in both the U.S. and Europe over allegations it has abused its dominant position in online search and other businesses. At "Online Search, Antitrust and Google: In Search of a Pro-Consumer Policy," hosted by the Technology Policy Institute, a distinguished group of experts will discuss the complex issues the antitrust agencies must address in their review of Google. Topics will include market definition, market power, existence and effects of "search bias", the availability of effective remedies, and, ultimately, what is in the consumer's best interest.
Aspen Panel: Cybersecurity - Public and Private Roles
August 11, 2011 - The vast majority of the Internet's critical infrastructure is operated by the private sector, but government still has a critical leadership role to play in supporting comprehensive cybersecurity readiness. The panel, "Cybersecurity - Public and Private Roles," at the TPI Aspen Forum will examine the respective roles of government and the private sector in safeguarding the Internet against the mounting threats of cyber crime and cyber terrorism.
Prabhu of AT&T Labs to Keynote Aspen Forum
August 5, 2011 - Krish Prabhu, President and CEO of AT&T Labs has been added as a keynote speaker at the TPI Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 21 - 23 in Aspen, Colorado. Prabhu leads one of the world's premier research institutions, dedicated to advancing the science and technology of communications and information.
Aspen Panel: Watching the Future: The Economic Implications of Online Video
August 3, 2011 - Online video is the most bandwidth-intensive use of the Internet for millions of users, and its growth shows no signs of slowing. This rapid growth has potentially far-reaching implications for broad swaths of the economy, including both last-mile Internet providers and content producers. Speakers at the TPI Aspen Forum panel, "Watching the Future: The Economic Implications of Online Video," will discuss these potential implications and the future of content delivery. The TPI Aspen Forum is scheduled for August 21 - 23 in Aspen, Colorado.
Aspen Breakout Sessions Address Key Policy Issues
August 2, 2011 - The Technology Policy Institute has confirmed presenters for the 2011 Aspen Forum breakout sessions. The four informal, off-the-record breakout sessions will cover the pertinent topics of spectrum policy, intellectual property, antitrust, and online drug advertising. A complete list of breakout session presenters is now available on the TPI website. The Aspen Forum is scheduled for August 21 - 23.
Aspen Panel: The Internet in a Post Wikileaks, Post-Egypt World
July 25, 2011 - The Technology Policy Institute has confirmed speakers for the TPI Aspen Forum panel, "Internet Governance in a Post-Wikileaks, Post-Egypt World". This panel will bring together a distinguished group of international experts to discuss one of the most high-profile technology related global public policy subjects-how individuals, companies, and governments are grappling with the conflicting and difficult opportunities and threats arising from the explosive growth of the Internet. The panelists will explore not only what is happening today, but also critically important emerging issues regarding upcoming major international events that may fundamentally change the legal and policy dynamics of the Internet world. The TPI Aspen Forum is scheduled for August 21 - 23 in Aspen, Colorado.
Experian North America CEO Nichols to Speak at TPI Aspen Forum
July 21, 2011 - Victor Nichols, Chief Executive Officer of Experian North America, will address attendees at this year's TPI Aspen Forum. He will join other notable speakers at the premiere event, where participants will discuss the latest in technology policy and innovation issues. The annual event is scheduled for August 21 - 23 in Aspen, Colorado.
TPI Antitrust Articles Published in the Review of Industrial Organization
July 21, 2011 - Revised articles from the recent TPI conference, "Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries," have now been published as a special issue of the "Review of Industrial Organization." The issue (Volume 38, Number 4) also includes an introduction by Technology Policy Institute President Thomas Lenard.
Aspen Panel: A Discussion with Media and Telecom Leaders
July 19, 2011 - The Technology Policy Institute has confirmed speakers for the TPI Aspen Forum panel, "A Discussion with Media and Telecom Leaders." The panel, comprising the top public policy minds in the key sectors of media and the Internet, will discuss current and leading-edge issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, wireless broadband and spectrum reform, next-generation broadband, and intellectual property in an Internet age, from both a U.S. and global perspective. The panelists will also explore the role and limits of government regulation in an Internet age. The TPI Aspen Forum is scheduled for August 21 - 23 in Aspen, Colorado.
"A Conversation with the Commissioners" at TPI Aspen Forum
July 7, 2011 - The importance of the communications sector as a driver of innovation and the economic recovery has increasingly put the Federal Communications Commission at the center of critically important policy debates. Policies involving broadband penetration and adoption, spectrum allocation, and network neutrality will affect the evolution of the media and communications industries for years to come. FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Robert M. McDowell will share their views and recommendations on these and related issues during the closing luncheon panel, "A Conversation with the Commissioners" at the TPI Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 21 - 23 in Aspen, Colorado.
Senator Udall to Give Welcoming Remarks at Aspen Forum
July 5, 2011 - Colorado Senator Mark Udall will offer welcoming remarks at the Technology Policy Institute's Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 21-23. Senator Udall, elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008 after serving five terms as Representative of Colorado's 2nd district, has worked to promote the development of Colorado's aerospace industry, and the clean energy and high technology sectors. Senator Udall currently serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and the Select Committee on Intelligence.
Better Data Needed on Data Privacy and Security Issues
June 29, 2011 - Without substantially better data and analysis, policymakers cannot make informed decisions concerning data privacy and security legislation, stated Thomas Lenard in testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. During the hearing, "Privacy and Data Security: Protecting Consumers in the Modern World," Lenard also stressed that data privacy and security are different issues and should be dealt with separately by policymakers.
Aspen Panel: Information and Privacy: In Search of a Data-Driven Policy
May 31, 2011 - Data privacy raises issues that are central to the health of the Internet ecosystem and will be a major focus of this year's TPI Aspen Forum. While proposals have emanated from the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce, and Congress, few data exist on the nature and extent of the problem and how proposed privacy regulations would impact consumers. Distinguished speakers from academia, government and industry will debate the future of privacy policy during the discussion panel, "Information and Privacy: In Search of a Data-Driven Policy." The TPI Aspen Forum is scheduled for August 21 - 23 in Aspen, Colorado.
Little Risk of Re-Identification through Health Data
May 25, 2011 - Properly anonymized health data pose little risk of patient identification, state Jane Yakowitz and Daniel Barth-Jones in "The Illusory Privacy Problem in Sorrell v. IMS Health," published today by the Technology Policy Institute. Moreover, if the Department of Health and Human Services were to abandon the distinction between personally identifiable and anonymized data (as the Federal Trade Commission has done in its recent report) "the result would be nothing short of disastrous for health care improvements and medical research," according to the authors.
ICANN Should Move Toward Greater Private Sector Accountability
May 19, 2011 - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers should be more accountable to its private sector users, state Thomas Lenard and Lawrence White in "Improving ICANN's Governance and Accountability: A Policy Proposal," published in the latest issue of Information Economics and Policy. Instead of increased government involvement, as some have been advocating, Lenard and White recommend ICANN be governed by its direct users, the registries and registrars, as a way of improving accountability, a longstanding issue with ICANN.
Event - Spectrum Incentive Auctions: the Nuts, Bolts and Economics
May 12, 2011 - The FCC and the Administration want to make 120 MHz of spectrum currently used for broadcast available for other, presumably higher-value, wireless uses. Policymakers are proposing using voluntary auctions to encourage broadcasters to sell their licenses, but questions remain on how these incentive auctions would work in practice. Discussion at "Spectrum Incentive Auctions: the Nuts, Bolts and Economics," hosted by the Technology Policy Institute, will focus on the economics of auctions and how spectrum incentive auctions should be structured to provide the most efficient outcomes for stakeholders. Discussants will also answer questions submitted by attendees. Questions can be submitted anonymously on the TPI website.
Tech Entrepreneur Peter Thiel to Speak at TPI Aspen Forum
April 20, 2011 - Peter Thiel, technology entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, will join other notable keynote speakers at the Technology Policy Institute's 2011 Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 21 - 23. Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and investor in such tech companies as Facebook, LinkedIn, and SpaceX, is expected to share his perspective on the current economy and the environment for innovation in the technology sector.
USF Reform Should Include Low-Income Subsides, Competitive Auctions
April 18, 2011 - Transitioning the use of universal service funds to subsidize broadband creates a unique opportunity to reform the program. Reforms should include a focus on low-income subsides and competitive bidding in high-cost service areas, explain Scott Wallsten and Gregory Rosston in "The Path to Universal Broadband: Why We Should Grant Low-Income Subsides, and Use Auctions and Experiments to Determine the Specifics" recently published by The Economists' Voice.
TPI Aspen Forum Preview Agenda Now Available
March 25, 2011 - A preview agenda is now available for the Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum, scheduled this year for August 21 - 23. Confirmed keynote speakers include Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, Chair of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Dale Jorgenson, Samuel W. Morris University Professor at Harvard University, and Mark McLaughlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Verisign.
Benefits from Information Collection Outweigh Costs
March 17, 2011 - Economic analysis shows that the benefits of online information collection, such as ad-supported applications and content, greatly outweigh any costs or risks, state Paul Rubin and Michael Hammock in "Applications Want to be Free: Privacy Against Information," released today by the Technology Policy Institute. Current arguments for increased privacy regulation are not based on economic theory or evidence and instead rely on anecdotes or a perceived inherent "right" to privacy online. As a result, policymakers should be leery of making radical changes to the current privacy regime without carefully considering the economic consequences.
Event Video: Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports
March 7, 2011 - Online video is now available on the C-SPAN website of last Friday's event "Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports," hosted by the Technology Policy Institute. The event featured opening remarks by Congressman Cliff Stearns, Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In his remarks, Stearns outlined the goals and key provisions of the draft privacy legislation he is planning to introduce soon.
Hon. Cliff Stearns to Give Remarks at TPI Online Privacy Event
February 28, 2011 - Congressman Cliff Stearns will offer remarks at this Friday's event "Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports," hosted by the Technology Policy Institute. Rep. Stearns, Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is expected to soon introduce privacy legislation, building upon a previous draft developed in the last Congress.
Event - Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports
February 24, 2011 - The long-awaited Federal Trade Commission and Department of Commerce reports outlined recommendations for online privacy policy ranging from strengthening multi-stakeholder models to a "Do Not Track" mechanism for internet browsers. Congress is now poised to add its voice to the debate, with legislation already introduced and more to come. With the proposals representing a wide swath of options, how can policymakers choose the best course of action? How will each proposal affect online businesses and consumers? Alternately, is a federal privacy policy needed or advisable? Panelists at the March 4th event, "Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports" will discuss the findings of the recent DOC and FTC reports and will give their suggestions on how policymakers in both the agencies and Congress can move forward on online privacy issues.
Over Half of USF High-Cost Fund used for "General Expenses"
February 23, 2011 - Over half of subsidies, or $.59 of every dollar, paid through the High-Cost Universal Service Fund go to general expenses of firms, not to directly providing support to high-cost lines, finds Scott Wallsten in "The Universal Service Fund: What Do High-Cost Subsides Subsidize?," released today by the Technology Policy Institute. This research underscores the inefficiency in the current universal service subsidies program and, in particular, the high-cost fund. Policymakers should use the push to include broadband as part of USF to implement radical reforms.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of FTC Privacy Proposal Needed
February 17, 2011 - The Federal Trade Commission should rigorously analyze the costs and benefits of its proposed privacy recommendations, including the "Do Not Track" mechanism, before moving forward with any policy proposals, states Thomas Lenard in comments submitted in response to the Commission's Staff Report on privacy. Without such an analysis, the Commission cannot accurately predict if its recommendations will improve or reduce consumer welfare.
TPI Aspen Forum Registration Now Open
February 9, 2011 - Online registration is now open for the Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 21 - 23.
Cloud Computing Impacts Network Architecture, Policy Issues
February 2, 2011 - The rising popularity of cloud computing will require changes to the underlying network architecture, raising questions about the impact of regulations on the fledgling industry, explains Christopher Yoo in, "Cloud Computing: Architectural and Policy Implications," released today by the Technology Policy Institute. The paper is a revised version of a paper presented at the recent TPI conference, "Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries."
Cost-Benefit Analysis Needed for Commerce Department Privacy Framework
January 28, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Commerce should rigorously analyze the costs and benefits of its proposed privacy framework and alternative policy proposals before moving forward with any recommendations, states Thomas Lenard in comments submitted today in response to the agency's Green Paper on online privacy. Without such an analysis, the agency cannot accurately predict if its proposal will improve or reduce consumer welfare.
Event - Retrans Redux: The Economics of Retransmission Consent
January 12, 2011 - The recent Cablevision-Fox dispute illustrates the delicate nature of negotiations between video programmers and distributors. In reaction to the dispute, the Federal Communications Commission announced it intends to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on retransmission in early 2011. Because negotiations between programmers and distributors take place in the shadow of FCC regulations, regulatory changes may have large effects on those negotiations. How will reformed retransmission regulations affect programming deliberations and deals? These questions will be explored at "Retrans Redux: The Economics of Retransmission Consent," hosted by the Technology Policy Institute.
Antitrust Case Against Intel Does Not Show Harm to Consumers
January 12, 2011 - Evaluation of the competitive effects of Intel's loyalty discounts, which garnered scrutiny from antitrust authorities, does not support claims that the company's actions have harmed consumers. Analysis of market share, prices, and relevant financial markets fail to show higher prices or abnormal financial returns, concludes Joshua Wright in, "Does Antitrust Enforcement in High Tech Markets Benefit Consumers? Stock Price Evidence from FTC v. Intel," released today by the Technology Policy Institute. The paper is a revised version of a paper presented at the recent TPI conference, "Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries."
Innovation Effective in Addressing Competition Concerns
January 5, 2011 - Technological innovation has a much greater effect on competition in high-tech sectors than antitrust remedies, according to research by Robert Crandall and Charles Jackson in 'Antitrust in High-Tech Industries' released today by the Technology Policy Institute. Antitrust remedies have not been successful at accelerating competition in such markets; rather competition has developed from technology that regulators could not predict. The paper is a revised version of a paper presented at the recent TPI conference, "Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries."
Event - Retrans Redux: The Economics of Retransmission Consent
January 3, 2011 - The recent Cablevision-Fox dispute illustrates the delicate nature of negotiations between video programmers and distributors. In reaction to the dispute, the Federal Communications Commission announced it intends to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on retransmission in early 2011. Because negotiations between programmers and distributors take place in the shadow of FCC regulations, regulatory changes may have large effects on those negotiations. How will reformed retransmission regulations affect programming deliberations and deals? These questions will be explored at "Retrans Redux: The Economics of Retransmission Consent," hosted by the Technology Policy Institute.
U.S. Broadband Prices Have Remained Stable
December 15, 2010 - Residential broadband prices in the U.S. remained fairly stable over the past few years, while the price of business plans in the U.S. has decreased, show Scott Wallsten and James Riso in "Residential and Business Broadband Prices, Part 2: International Comparisons," released today by the Technology Policy Institute. The authors' analysis also shows that the price for standalone broadband in the U.S. is in the middle range of prices in OECD countries. The paper is the second part of a comprehensive study on broadband pricing.
Data Cap Broadband Plans Cheaper for Most Consumers
November 19, 2010 - Broadband plans with data caps are 15 - 25 percent cheaper than unlimited plans for most consumers, show Scott Wallsten and James Riso in "Residential and Business Broadband Prices, Part 1: An Empirical Analysis of Metering and Other Price Determinants," released today by the Technology Policy Institute. The authors' analysis also shows that broadband plans with contracts are cheaper than those without but find the cost of business plans increase with the length of the contract. The paper is part of a comprehensive broadband pricing study performed by Wallsten and Riso exploring residential and business broadband prices in the U.S. and internationally.
Pre-emptive Regulation of Vertical Integration Could Harm Consumers
November 8, 2010 - Pre-emptive regulation of vertical integration could harm, rather than help, consumer welfare because integration is not predictive of future market problems, states Bruce Owen in "Antitrust and Vertical Integration in 'New Economy' Industries" released today by the Technology Policy Institute. According to the author, "Toadying to uninformed populist fears of vertical integration between network providers and content creators by imposing investment-dampening ex ante regulatory constraints is likely to be far less useful to the public than steps to ensure effective competition among network providers." Instead, he suggests ex post antitrust enforcement could address specific market abuses. The paper is a preliminary version prepared for the recent TPI event, "Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries."
October 22 Event: Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries
October 13, 2010 - Please join the Technology Policy Institute on October 22 for "Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries," where experts will discuss and critique four papers examining antitrust issues of concern for the technology and communications sectors. The papers were prepared as part of the TPI project "Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Information and Communications Technology: Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in 'New Economy' Industries."
Broadband Editorial Distracts from Meaningful Internet Policy
October 13, 2010 - A recent editorial on U.S. broadband is based on a flawed understanding of broadband data, addresses the wrong issues, and distracts from real policy concerns, states Scott Wallsten in "Scientific American's Flawed Broadband Analysis," published today by the Technology Policy Institute. The editorial's assertions that broadband prices are too high and speeds are too slow ignore the more nuanced state of the broadband market, the author explains, and do not support proposals to mandate network neutrality, unbundle access to local loops, and reclassify broadband in order to regulate access.
October 22 Event: Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries
October 6, 2010 - Antitrust enforcement in technology industries is complex, in part because the sector is characterized by continuous innovation. How can antitrust policy be formulated to prevent abuses yet not stifle innovation in these dynamic sectors? Please join the Technology Policy Institute on October 22 for "Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries," where experts will discuss and critique four papers examining antitrust issues of concern for the technology and communications sectors. The papers were prepared as part of the TPI project "Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Information and Communications Technology: Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in 'New Economy' Industries."
Broadband Competition Important for Spurring Investment
October 4, 2010 - The number of wireline providers in an area has an impact on broadband speeds available, illustrating that competition is important for stimulating investment in networks, explain Scott Wallsten and Colleen Mallahan in "Residential Broadband Competition in the United States," a white paper drafted for the Federal Communications Commission's Omnibus Broadband Initiative. Wallsten discussed their findings yesterday at the 38th Research Conference on Communication, Information and Internet Policy, sponsored by TPRC.
Return-Free Tax Filing Would not Result in Cost Savings
September 29, 2010 - Adopting a return-free federal income tax system, or Simple Return, would introduce a host of challenges and would not result in overall cost savings, state Arlene Holen and Joseph Cordes in "Should the Government Prepare Individual Tax Returns?" released today by the Technology Policy Institute. The paper was submitted to the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in response to the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board's report to the President on options for changing the current tax system.
Event: Antitrust and the Dynamics of Competition in High-Tech Industries
September 27, 2010 - Antitrust enforcement in technology industries is complex, in part because the sector is characterized by more or less continuous innovation. The global nature of the sector, combined with oversight by multiple enforcement agencies, also presents its own unique issues for antitrust policy. Given these complexities, how can antitrust policy be formulated to promote innovation in these dynamic sectors?
TPI Hosts Workshop on Network Management at 2010 IGF Meeting
September 20, 2010 - The Technology Policy Institute co-hosted a workshop with the DiploFoundation on network neutrality issues at the Internet Governance Forum 2010 Meeting held in Vilnius, Lithuania, September 14 - 17.
Economic Impact of Broadband Difficult to Measure
September 10, 2010 - While policymakers focus on driving residential broadband adoption as a key factor in economic recovery and growth, little research supports claims that such policies can have short-term economic effects, explains Scott Wallsten in "The Future of Digital Communications Research and Policy." To assist policymakers, researchers should focus on the effects of broadband use in business to measure how the technology will impact productivity and, ultimately, in what ways it will shape the economy. The piece was first published in "The Future of Digital Communications: Policy Perspectives," a collection of essays sponsored by Time Warner Cable, and will be published in the forthcoming volume of the Federal Communications Law Journal.
The Future of Privacy Online
September 8, 2010 - From blogs to Facebook profiles to Twitter messages, individuals are increasingly choosing to share information about themselves online. More personal information online brings both risks and rewards. How are companies using this digital information and how do consumers benefits from increased data sharing? Do consumers have enough control over their personal information or is there a need for government regulators to step in? These issues will be discussed at "The Future of Privacy Online," co-hosted by the Technology Policy Institute (TPI) and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).
TPI Aspen Forum Videos Now Available
August 27, 2010 - Webcasts are now available of the discussion panels and keynote speakers at the Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum.
Smart Grid Issues Discussed at TPI Aspen Forum
August 13, 2010 - The increased use of electronics in our daily lives has strained America's electricity infrastructure. Can "Smart Grid" technologies and the modernization of the power infrastructure keep up with the increased demand for energy? Are incentives and other programs helping at the state and federal levels? Is Smart Grid a prudent investment that will benefit consumers, or an expensive boondoggle fraught with standards, control and gold plating issues? The Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum will feature a breakout session on Smart Grid technologies, their implementation, and related issues for utility regulators. The session is one of three off-the-record discussions scheduled at the Forum, to be held August 22 - 24 at the St. Regis in Aspen, Colorado.
The Future of Privacy Online, September 27th Event Co-Hosted by TPI and ITIF
August 11, 2010 - From blogs to Facebook profiles to Twitter messages, individuals are increasingly choosing to share information about themselves online. More personal information online brings both risks and rewards. How are companies using this digital information and how do consumers benefits from increased data sharing? Perhaps more importantly, do consumers have enough control over their personal information or is there a need for government regulators to step in? These issues will be discussed at "The Future of Privacy Online," co-hosted by the Technology Policy Institute (TPI) and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).
Online Privacy Issues Examined at Aspen Forum
August 10, 2010 - The question of whether and how to regulate the collection and use of online information is receiving renewed attention from the Congress, Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Commerce. What are the privacy problems we face on the Internet? Are they amenable to government or market solutions? What are the strengths and weaknesses of pending legislative proposals? What are the tradeoffs involved in regulating information flows more stringently? These questions will be examined at the TPI Aspen Forum breakout session "Privacy Online: Where Do We Go From Here?" The discussion is one of three off-the-record breakout sessions scheduled at the TPI Aspen Forum, to be held August 22 - 24 at the St. Regis in Aspen, Colorado.
Wireless and Spectrum Issues Explored at Aspen Forum
August 9, 2010 - The explosive growth in smartphone use, emerging 4G networks, and the tantalizing possibility of wireless broadband as a substitute for wireline broadband have brought spectrum issues to the front of telecom debates. The Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum will feature a roundtable discussion on spectrum and wireless topics such as the growing scope of wireless industries and competition in those areas, how to clear spectrum as called for by the National Broadband Plan, and how the U.S. and other countries are meeting growing challenges facing wireless. The session is one of three off-the-record discussions scheduled at the TPI Aspen Forum, to be held August 22 - 24 at the St. Regis in Aspen, Colorado.
Views from Wall Street and Silicon Valley: The Effects of Policy on Investment
August 2, 2010 - Technology and communications industries help drive economic growth, and policy changes can affect investment. Will proposed regulation affect investment in communications infrastructure? How are investors in media and content companies reacting to changes in distribution methods? Do venture capitalists and Wall Street have different opinions on the effects of policy on investment? Analysts and investors will discuss the environment for investment across the Internet ecosystem during the discussion panel "Views from Wall Street and Silicon Valley: The Effects of Policy on Investment," at the TPI Aspen Forum. The event is scheduled for August 22-24 at the St. Regis Aspen Resort.
Andrew Keen Added to Aspen Forum Agenda
July 29, 2010 - Andrew Keen, a renowned Internet pioneer and entrepreneur, will be the closing luncheon speaker at the Technology Policy Institute's Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 22nd - August 24th. Keen will offer remarks on "The Creative Economy or a Tragedy of the Creative Commons?" focusing on the importance of intellectual property rights for the Internet and the possible consequences if we lack systems to enforce such rights. He will join other influential industry leaders and policy experts at the event to discuss key issues affecting innovation in the technology and communications sectors.
Aspen Forum Panel to Explore Internet and the Media
July 27, 2010 - The Internet has been very disruptive to the traditional media industries, which are now scrambling to remain relevant and to keep revenues flowing. How have the media industries and content owners been faring with the increasingly ubiquitous Internet platform? Are new, more viable, business models being developed? Are IP protections sufficient to maintain incentives for content producers? At the TPI Aspen Forum, speakers on the panel "The Internet and the Media - After the first wave, what's next?" will assess the Internet's impact on media and try to peer into their crystal balls to forecast the state of various media industries in a few years. The event is scheduled for August 22nd -24th.
Effective Broadband Adoption Solutions Discussed at Aspen Forum
July 26, 2010 - A recent Federal Communications Commission report found that between 14 and 24 million people lack access to broadband. What are the best ways to expand access to unserved or underserved communities? What similar programs have been successful in the past? What are the most promising new ideas? How can the government encourage broadband deployment and adoption in these communities? Two leading technology experts who have been active in this area will discuss these questions and how they are addressed in the National Broadband Plan in the session, "Serving the Underserved: What Are the Best Ways to Do It?" at the TPI Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 22nd -24th.
LinkedIn Co-Founder Hoffman to Speak at Aspen Forum
July 20, 2010 - Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman at LinkedIn and Partner at Greylock Partners, will be a keynote speaker at the Technology Policy Institute's Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 22nd - August 24th. Hoffman will offer remarks on the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurship in the tech sector and the influence of public policy. An accomplished entrepreneur, executive and angel investor, Hoffman has played an integral part in building many of today's leading consumer technology businesses. He will join other influential industry leaders and policy experts at the event to discuss key issues affecting innovation in the technology and communications sectors.
TPI's Scott Wallsten Testifies at FCC Forum on Comcast/NBC Joint Venture
July 13, 2010 - TPI's Scott Wallsten presented an economic overview of the proposed Comcast-NBCU Transaction in testimony prepared today for the Federal Communications Commission's Public Forum on the Comcast/NBCU Joint Venture.
Aspen Forum to Explore What's Next for Broadband Policy
July 1, 2010 - Promoting broadband has become a top priority for policymakers hoping it will spur innovation and economic growth. How will new proposals, from the National Broadband Plan to regulatory reclassification affect broadband deployment, adoption and investment? What would be the impact of extending Universal Service Funds to broadband? Is wireless a viable substitute for wireline broadband? How will new pricing models affect the broadband ecosystem? What is the prospect for a re-write of the Communications Act? These issues will be explored at the TPI Aspen Forum discussion panel entitled "Whither Broadband Policy? The FCC, Congress, and the Courts."
Aspen Forum Early Registration Discount Extended to July 12
June 30, 2010 - The Technology Policy Institute is extending the early registration discount for the Aspen Forum through July 12th. This is to accommodate the July 4th holiday and allow participants to take advantage of the lower rate. In addition to the discounted registration fee for early registration, TPI also provides lower rates to attendees from charities or government sectors. Registration information can be found on the TPI website.
Intuit's Brad Smith at TPI Aspen Forum
June 29, 2010 - Brad Smith, president and chief executive officer of Intuit (NASDAQ:INTU), a leading provider of business and financial management solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, financial institutions, consumers and accounting professionals, will be a featured keynote luncheon speaker at the Technology Policy Institute's Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 22- 24. He will join other influential industry leaders and policy experts at the event to discuss key issues driving innovation in the technology sector.
Aspen Forum Panel to Explore Antitrust and Tech Industries
June 9, 2010 - Technology has been a principal driver of growth and productivity in the U.S.. Antitrust enforcement in technology industries is complex, in part because the sector is characterized by more or less continuous innovation. If economists are able to predict the effects of antitrust actions on innovation, then enforcement agencies can take those actions with greater confidence. If the effects are highly uncertain, however, the lesson for enforcement is quite different. Experts on antitrust and competition issues will discuss these and related issues at the TPI Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 22-24.
Internet Governance and ICANN: Emerging Policy Issues
June 1, 2010 - The Technology Policy Institute and the Centre for European Policy Studies are co-hosting "Internet Governance and ICANN: Emerging Policy Issues," an event scheduled for June 18th at CEPS in Brussels. The conference will feature discussion on issues stemming from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN) newly established operating structure under the Affirmation of Commitments. Topics will include ICANN accountability under the AoC, the role of the Internet Governance Forum and other international organizations, freedom of expression issues, and economic issues associated with the domain name system.
The National Broadband Plan: Economics, Politics and Policy
May 21, 2010 - The Technology Policy Institute and the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research have released the complete agenda for "The National Broadband Plan: Economics, Politics and Policy," a full-day conference scheduled for June 9th at Stanford University. The conference will feature a keynote luncheon address by ICANN President and CEO, Rod Beckstrom, former Director of the National Cybersecurity Center and successful tech entrepreneur.
Paul Otellini added to TPI Aspen Forum Agenda
May 18, 2010 - Paul Otellini, President and CEO of Intel Corporation, will be a featured keynote speaker at the Technology Policy Institute's Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 22nd - August 24th. He will join other influential industry leaders and policy experts at the event to discuss key issues affecting innovation in the technology sector.
JUNE 9TH EVENT: The National Broadband Plan: Economics, Politics and Policy
May 12, 2010 - The Technology Policy Institute and the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research are co-hosting "The National Broadband Plan: Economics, Politics and Policy," a full-day conference scheduled for June 9th at Stanford University. Presentations and panel discussions will focus on such topics as broadband competition and demand, the effect of broadband deployment on economic development, spectrum allocation, and how recent events concerning the FCC's jurisdiction over broadband could impact implementation of the National Broadband Plan.
NBC/Comcast Should be Judged only on Antitrust Concerns
May 10, 2010 - Antitrust analysis of the proposed merger between Comcast and NBC Universal should focus only on its effect on competition in relevant markets and resulting harm to consumers, states James Speta in "Screening and Simplifying the Competition Arguments in the NBC/Comcast Transaction" released today by the Technology Policy Institute.
Google-AdMob: A Bad Precedent
April 27, 2010 - TPI President Thomas Lenard published a piece on Forbes.com discussing the expected involvement of federal regulators in Google's acquisition of AdMob. In the piece, Lenard warns of possible shortcomings of traditional merger analysis if applied to the fast-moving mobile advertising market and urges regulators to carefully consider the long-term effects of antitrust action on innovation in this space. The entire piece can be found at Forbes.com.
Aspen Forum Preview Agenda Released
April 26, 2010 - A preview agenda of the Aspen Forum, to be held August 22nd - 24th, is now available on the TPI website. The event will include top leaders in the technology and policy sectors, including Mark McLaughlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of VeriSign, Thomas Tauke, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Policy and Communications at Verizon, and Hal Varian, Chief Economist of Google. Edward Mueller, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Qwest Communications, will offer opening remarks at the premier policy event.
JOURNAL ARTICLE: IN DEFENSE OF DATA: INFORMATION AND THE COST OF PRIVACY
April 16, 2010 - The commercial use of information on the Internet has produced substantial benefits for consumers, explain TPI President Thomas Lenard and Senior Fellow Paul Rubin in "In Defense of Data: Information and the Cost of Privacy," published today by the Policy & Internet Journal. In the article, the authors argue that firms have incentives to satisfy customers' privacy preferences and that restrictions in the legitimate use of information may not lead to further privacy benefits.
OP-ED: BROADBAND BOMBSHELL
April 14, 2010 - Spectrum currently held by the Federal government could potentially be the largest source of additional spectrum for broadband, write TPI President Thomas Lenard, TPI Research Associate James Riso, and NYU Professor Lawrence White in Broadband Bombshell, an opinion piece published by Forbes.com. In the piece, the authors suggest agencies should be charged market-oriented rents for the spectrum to create incentives to consider the opportunity costs of the spectrum that they occupy.
Registration Now Open for TPI's Aspen Forum
March 24, 2010 - Registration is now open for the Technology Policy Institute's first annual Aspen Forum, scheduled this year for August 22nd - 24th. TPI's Aspen Forum will bring together leaders from business, government, and academia in a relaxed, informal setting to discuss and debate the key public policy issues surrounding information and communications technology. This year's theme, "Innovation and Critical Policy Choices: Is the United States Losing its Edge?" will guide the keynote speeches, workshops and panels on a variety of topics.
