Economists have long recognized that technological innovation and enhanced communication increase productivity and reduce friction in economic activity. And never before has technology’s impact on economic growth been as evident as it is today.
At IPI, we focus on technology and communications policy not only because it’s critical to economic growth, but also because government’s inherent tendency to regulate prospectively poses an active threat to the economic gains and lifestyle enhancements made possible by technological innovation.
The communications and technology industries are among the country’s most competitive and the biggest capital investors in the U.S. economy, and are thus prime engines of economic growth and job creation. It is critical that public policy encourages continued innovation and investment in the tech sector, and that we don’t limit the innovation upside with counterproductive taxes and regulations.
Broadband Pole Position
A Tennessee legislative proposal would allow pole attachment rates to rise radically—effectively creating a broadband tax—to 371 percent of the national average. Justification for such a stunning increase is scant, since the electric company’s costs do not increase because of the pole attachments.
Coalition of Free-Market Advocacy Groups Weigh-In On Transition to IP-Based Services
A coalition led by the Center for Individual Freedom ("CFIF") including IPI filed comments with the FCC urging regulators to grant a request made by telecommunications provider AT&T to conduct trial runs of the move to next-generation services, otherwise known as the IP transition.
Coalition Letter to FCC Regarding Transition to IP-Based Services
When Seeing a Doctor Means Turning on Your Computer or Mobile Device
Doctors are increasingly seeing patients via computers or mobile devices, which may actually achieve some of the goals of health care reform.
Georgia Bill Stirs Fight Over Municipally Owned Networks
Georgia's House Bill 282 is reigniting controversies and conversation on whether states should limit municipal broadband networks.
Newspaper Taxis Appear On the Shore, Waiting To Take You Away To National Wi-Fi
Government has plenty to do without getting into providing Wi-Fi especially when the decision maker’s heads are in the clouds, and the taxpayer money is gone.
Get out of the business of regulating copper wires
The Federal Communications Commission is not able to flexibly adapt to changed circumstances in the communications world, according to officials on how to the transition to internet protocol networks.
Get Out of the Business of Regulating Copper Wires, Say FCC Critics at Internet Protocol Event
The FCC is not able to flexibly adapt to changed circumstances in the communications world, according to officials . In a January letter to the FCC, IPI chastised: “It borders on the absurd to require that companies like AT&T maintain two parallel networks, a forward looking one that is desired by consumers and businesses; but also an expensive legacy network that is necessary only to comply with outdated regulations.”
The Simple Joy of McDonald's Wi-Fi
Though a Wall Street Journal story implies Internet-deprived students are resorting to McDonald’s for access, affordable broadband is available even at Dollar Menu prices.
And the Games Begin
Blaming video games for the acts of evil people is just a way for policy makers to appear to be doing something. Ironically, it’s games played in DC, not in people’s homes, that are most harmful.
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