Keeping the Internet’s Promise: Universal, Open and Safe

Abstract

Looking back on 2009, it is clear that telecommunications policy worldwide is in a potentially valuable and far-reaching period of change, as governments consider the most effective role they can play in spreading broadband technologies and connecting their citizens to the Internet. Approaches to connectivity vary across developed and developing economies. Singapore has developed a plan for a heavily regulated next generation network that will be divided into at least four tiers. Australia is weighing the feasibility of a governmentfinanced fiber-to-the-premises network, which aspires to connect 90 per cent of its homes and businesses, but would require an investment of US$34 billion. The United Kingdom’s ‘Digital Britain’ report, released in June 2009, seeks universal broadband access by 2012 and also recommends a tax on phone lines to pay for extending advanced networks to areas that are unlikely to receive commercial service. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission has embarked on an expansive process to develop a National Broadband Plan to be delivered to Congress in March 2010. Despite the different paths these countries may choose to meet their own particular market facts, they are all seeking to strengthen their citizens’ national and international sense of community by delivering next generation Internet connectivity to all. Importantly, the goal of connectivity extends beyond national borders. As the Internet Governance Forum has noted, it is vital that governments and nongovernmental groups consider ‘ways and means to accelerate the availability and affordability of the Internet in the developing world’ (http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/index.php/aboutigf). The international community recognizes, among developing and developed economies alike, the profound importance of inclusiveness through connectivity to the Internet and high-speed deployment. In this way, broadband serves as a great unifier, an agent of inclusiveness that brings Internet users from all corners of the world into a single online community that can widely deliver new opportunities. The global inclusiveness brought by broadband connectivity is essential for achieving broad societal goals by helping to build stronger economies, facilitate more efficient use of resources to foster environmental sustainability, deliver better health care and empower individuals with a greater ability to communicate, exchange information and access educational resources. In addition to connectivity and inclusiveness, policy must seek to ensure that users have a quality experience when online. Users will benefit if policy makers take a holistic approach to broadband policy. Just as each component of a network has an effect on other pieces, every decision that governments make about broadband and the Internet will shape the broader digital society that is now emerging around the world. An Internet that truly works for everybody must be universal, open, respect individual privacy and be safe for all users. By universal, I mean that broadband service must be available and affordable to consumers everywhere. When all are connected, all can share the benefits made possible by this unique ‘many-to-many’ platform that we call the Internet. Openness means an Internet ecosystem that enables users to exchange ideas and communicate freely; connect to the lawful applications and content of their choice; and select the service and equipment packages that best meet their needs. It also means that content providers, network operators, search engines, websites and other Internet participants promote interoperable platforms and technologies in order to innovate with new products, ideas and business models that provide more choices to consumers. Providing a safe experience and protecting users’ privacy and personal data must also be high priorities. Sadly, the Internet’s benefits can be placed at risk by cybercrime, phishing, viruses, spamming and other harmful behavior. Because global networks are linked and freely cross national borders, fighting these online threats requires the same level of international cooperation that is needed to fight First, focus on broad goals. Do not gear policy toward specific technologies.