R. Stanton Dodge, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Colorado-based Dish Network will offer welcoming remarks at the Sunday evening opening reception of this year’s TPI Aspen Forum. The conference is scheduled for August 18 – 20 in Aspen, Colorado. Robert W. Crandall, TPI Adjunct Senior Fellow and Nonresident Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution, is scheduled to open the Monday morning session of the conference. Crandall, one of the nation’s most prominent industrial organization and telecommunications economists, will discuss the future of broadband policy and how to avoid repeating past mistakes. Specifically, he will discuss how policy should be informed by the results of past interventions as well as by an accurate assessment of current market conditions.
Press Releases
Aspen Panel: The FCC’s Incentive Auctions – How Can They Succeed?
The upcoming FCC incentive auctions, which aim to facilitate market-based transfer of spectrum from broadcast TV to broader wireless uses, may be the most complex the Commission has ever conducted. Many questions remain regarding how the auction should be structured and carried out. For example, within the constraints imposed by Congress, should the auctions maximize revenues, new spectrum available, or something else? What band plan will best contribute to a successful auction and thriving post-auction wireless ecosystem? What are the implications of potential participation restrictions imposed on certain wireless providers? How can the auction ensure robust participation by broadcasters?
Aspen Panel: Deconstructing Creative Destruction
Creative destruction occurs when new companies or business models replace existing ones, transforming existing industries or creating entirely new ones. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in the tech industry, where such disruptions can dramatically and quickly change the competitive landscape. The panel “Deconstructing Creative Destruction” at this year’s TPI Aspen Forum will feature start-up founders, market analysts and academics who will attempt to unpack the black box of disruptive innovation by exploring how entrepreneurs take on established industries and the obstacles standing in their way.
Aspen Panel: Competition, Regulation and the Evolution of Internet Business Models
As the internet becomes an increasingly integral part of our lives for work and entertainment, there is increased focus on the economics of the internet ecosystem. Are markets for broadband and applications sufficiently competitive? Are they delivering what consumers and businesses want and need? Most importantly, is government providing a framework that encourages investment and innovation? The panel “Competition, Regulation and the Evolution of Internet Business Models” at the TPI Aspen Forum will feature speakers from broadband providers, government and academia to discuss such topics as: the economics of broadband platforms, business models and pricing plans, investment in infrastructure and applications, and the need to update public policies accordingly.
Is Obamaphone Good for the Poor? Maybe Not.
The Obamaphone controversy-whether government should subsidize wireless phone service for the poor-has two great ironies. The first is that wireless subsidies, which are part of the Lifeline and Linkup programs, were actually begun under Republicans President Bush and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. This irony has been well documented and thoroughly enjoyed by many liberals.
Focus on Broadband Speed Distracts from Other Metrics
Exclusive focus by policymakers and advocates on increasing broadband speeds removes from consideration other metrics that may be as or more important to innovation, explains Scott Wallsten in “The Real Benefits of Gigabit Networks Have Nothing to do with Speed,” released today by the Technology Policy Institute. The focus on broadband speed, “also obscures the real benefits of new high-speed networks like Google Fiber, which include new competition and revealed information about how local rules and regulations can hamper entry into the broadband market.”
Streaming Poses Ultimate Catch-22
Barry Diller’s new Aereo venture may turn out to be the ultimate Catch-22. Aereo is possible only because of the existence of broadcast television, but broadcasters view it as a threat and have warned that they may stop broadcasting. If that happens, broadcast television and Aereo could both cease to exist.
GAC Communique Inconsistent with ICANN gTLD Policy
This is in response to ICANN’s request for comments on the Government Advisory Committee (GAC) Beijing Communique of 11 April 2013. The GAC Communique recommends that ICANN implement a range of regulations (which the GAC calls “safeguards”) for all new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) covering areas ranging from malware to piracy to trademark and copyright infringement. The GAC proposes specific safeguards for regulated and professional sectors covering areas as diverse as privacy and security, consumer protection, fair lending and organic farming. Finally, the GAC proposes a “public interest” requirement for approval of new “exclusive registry access” gTLDs.