The Jeff Pulver Blog: The FCC's Failure to Recognize the Role of the Internet in Times of Public Crisis and as a Powerful Tool for Social Good:

« FCC Moves Tomorrow's Open Meeting to BellSouth Emergency Call Center -- But Where are the Representatives of the IP-based Communications Industry?: | Main | Getting Ready for Fall 2005 VON: »

September 15, 2005

The FCC's Failure to Recognize the Role of the Internet in Times of Public Crisis and as a Powerful Tool for Social Good:

I can't really criticize others if I don't see the bigger picture myself.

My blog from last night challenging the FCC for its failure to include the IP-based communications industry was a somewhat short-sighted and limited. This is probably because, although I have lately tried to deny it and have tried to move into other compelling IP-based applications, I am still too voice-centric in my view of IP-based communications. The truth is that it really is the larger Internet and the multitude of applications that IP technology allows that could revolutionize the ways in which government and citizens respond to public catastrophes. It wasn't just the VoIP service that helped bridge the communications divide during Hurricane Katrina. Frankly, text messaging, email, Web-obtained information, video blogs and other streaming media, and other IP-based applications were instrumental in keeping people connected and informed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. These applications only hint at what is possible through more ubiquitous, robust usage of the Internet. All these applications have been slighted today by the FCC's focus on carriers and traditional modes of communication.

By way of example, my friend Peggy Miles, who is from New Orleans and had family there, started to create Web pages to consolidate all of the local radio and news coming from the area. She has been working non-stop on these efforts and there are many people who rely on the news from the Internet to keep in touch with what was going on when the national broadcasters didn't get the full story. So, VoIP aside, why isn't there anyone at the FCC Open Meeting representing IP broadcasting and the value it has added and could add going forward? And what about all the people who got updates on IM and email when the switches serving the traditional wireline and wireless networks went down?

So, perhaps I was somewhat myopic when I was critical of the FCC's failure to include members of the IP-based communications (read VoIP) industry at today's Open Meeting to consider communications efforts and Hurricane Katrina. The, bottom line, however, is that the FCC Open Meeting was a slight, not just to VoIP providers, but to the Internet and the entire, current and evolving IP-based communications industry.

But, if I missed this point, I guess I really cannot blame the FCC for missing the point. But if we do not shine a spotlight more brightly on the power of the Internet and the host of emerging and evolving applications that the Internet will spawn, we cannot expect the public to ever understand what could be. In the absence of public awareness, regulators will never feel any compulsion beyond caving to the will of the traditional communications companies, reluctant to experiment with the power of IP.

By the way, it is not just the Internet community that was excluded from the FCC's Open Meeting. As one commenter to my blog noted, where is the witness from the Amateur Radio Relay League, even though Amateur Radio has been doing emergency and disaster communication for decades, and as the motto says "when all else fails, there is amateur radio."

I grew up on Ham Radio. Every year I participated in Field Day, an effort to test the power of amateur radio to help in times of public crises. I humbly propose that the Internet innovators along with the amateur radio community and government embark on a similar "Field Day" like project to promote the use of the Internet in times of public crises. Many of the most generous compassionate members of the Internet community were frankly caught by surprise in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, frustrated by the fact that they wanted to help, had the resources and technology to help, but did not know quite how to proceed to help. A "dry run" of the emergency response and support capabilities of the Internet in times of public catastrophes, akin to the Field Day model, might go a long way in allow us to harness the power, energy, resources and desire of the Internet community to aid in crises.

I think the FCC has been searching around for communications failures to highlight what went wrong in the wake of Katrina. The IP-based communications story does not fit that story - the Internet and IP story is a story about what went right and what could go even more right with greater public awareness of the enabling power of IP technology and the Internet.

A final thought: Now, I might say, thank goodness that the FCC has not recognized the role of the Internet in times of public emergencies. If the FCC recognized the Internet as a bona fide communications network, it might be inclined to regulate it. Oh, wait, the FCC has already begun to do so. Ironically, the FCC's first foray into regulating the Internet came in its effort to impose cookie-cutter E-911 obligations on VoIP. As I have previously noted, had the FCC rule been in place during Hurricane Katrina, VoIP services would have been shut off if the provider could not offer the cookie-cutter E-911 offering of the PSTN. Who would have benefited from such a backward-looking decision during a public crisis? Certainly not the Mayor who needed a Vonage phone to speak with President Bush.

If one lesson should have been learned by those who regulate communications, it should be that one-size-fits-all regulation destroys resiliency and the power afforded by promoting a multiplicity of communications options and capabilities. The Internet should be recognized as a means to improve lives and promote the public good, both during crises and otherwise. Government should work not to restrain the capabilities of the Internet but to encourage the Internet innovators to go forth, to differentiate, and to offer a multitude of products and services that will allow for as many communications alternatives as possible. Such alternatives will make communications more survivable and resilient during times of public catastrophes. But this is a message that the FCC and the public will not hear today.

Posted by jeff on September 15, 2005 12:54 PM | Permalink

Additional resources: #140conf events | Watch the Jeff Pulver Show | Jeff's Qik Videos

Comments

Football game is well known over the world. When you put on a good nice Soccer Shoes during the football game, you are the focus. Welcome to the Soccer Shoes Sale online. There are many soccer Jerseys and Indoor soccer shoes in it , which are very good. The type of the Nike CTR360 Soccer Shoes is very great .

Posted by: Soccer Shoes at January 29, 2012 05:46 AM

Hopefully, whichever cleaners in Melbourne I pick will get rid of those stains on the carpet. Not that you can see them at the moment, anyway, due to the heaving pile of dirty laundry and unwashed socks towering to roughly waste height.

Posted by: cleaners in Melbourne at January 10, 2012 03:04 PM

I was actually looking for this resource a few weeks back. Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.This will absolutely going to help me in my projects .

Posted by: Mesothelioma at January 8, 2012 08:39 PM

They will exhibit the actual passion due to donning their very own team's loath, enjoying through other team's cup or draping their very own team's bedspread more than his or even hers mattress furniture: this sort of can make these people some freak-out using their power group, and also a powerful MLB admirer at the same time.

Posted by: Cheap NHL Jerseys at December 9, 2011 02:45 AM

http://www.cheap-uggs-sale-shops.com
http://www.cheap-uggs-sale-shops.com/ugg-argyle-knit-boots
http://www.cheap-uggs-sale-shops.com/ugg-nightfall-boots
http://www.classicboots-uksale.net
http://www.classicboots-uksale.net/ugg-classic-tall-boots
http://www.classicboots-uksale.net/ugg-sundance-ii-boots
http://www.cheapghdukshop.co.uk
http://www.uniquebootsuk.com
http://www.uniquebootsuk.com/ugg-classic-cardy-boots
http://www.uniquebootsuk.com/ugg-ultra-tall-boots

Posted by: discount uggs at November 28, 2011 12:15 AM

Basing from the information presented in the nice article, I think youเน‚โ‚ฌย™ve made some truly interesting points. http://postfree-classified.com http://classified-thai.com http://classified-shopping.com http://weloveshoppingclassified.com http://market-classified.com http://tarad-classified.com http://classified-plaza.com http://108-classified.com http://tarad-plaza.com http://108postfree.com

Posted by: abhaysmithh at November 24, 2011 07:16 AM

Asics Schuhe ist die beste Laufschuhe,Beste Verarbeitungen, hochwertige Materialen und ein unverwechselbares Design machen Asics Schuhe zum Liebhaber vieler Schuhfans, denn sie sind auch für den Alltag perfekt einsetzbar!

Posted by: Onitsuka Tiger California 78 Grey/Blue at October 20, 2011 09:43 PM

This is a great one..nice article, thanks for share with us… I learn a lot with your words.. thank for the post.
Great job!, good to read and agree with your words.
r4i--- http://www.tech4mods.com
acekard 2i--- http://www.tech4mods.com/3ds-acekard2i-ak2i.html
r4 card--- http://www.tech4mods.com
r4--- http://www.tech4mods.com
マジコン--- http://www.ds-dsi.net
dsi マジコン--- http://www.ds-dsi.net
3ds マジコン--- http://www.nopainallgame.com
RMT--- http://www.rmt4u.jp
リアルマネートレード--- http://www.rmt4u.jp
アラド戦記--- http://www.rmt4u.jp/games/arado.html
アラド戦記 RMT--- http://www.rmt4u.jp/games/arado.html
TERA--- http://www.rmt4u.jp/games/tera.html
tera rmt--- http://www.rmt4u.jp/games/tera.html
アラド--- http://www.rmt4u.jp/games/arado.html
アラド RMT--- http://www.rmt4u.jp/games/arado.html
アイオン--- http://www.rmt4u.jp/games/aion.html
アイオン RMT--- http://www.rmt4u.jp/games/aion.html
I had never see a blog better than this one.Thank you for your post.

Posted by: acekard 2i at October 20, 2011 03:44 AM

that the islands of Kamouraska, still insulated only at high

Posted by: North Face at October 14, 2011 02:09 AM

http://www.enjoyingsport.com/adidas/Adidas-2011-Flat-Shoes/
www.enjoyingsport.com provides Adidas 2011 Flat Shoes
we offer Top quality Adidas Originals Vespa PX Women's Shoes ,Our Adidas Originals Vespa PX Women's Shoes Collection is the perfect one you can never miss.We have a large variety of contempory, classic and trendy design Adidas Originals Vespa PX Shoes, All our Adidas Originals Vespa PX Shoes in the most competive price to you, they are all in high quality. Find Your dream Designer Shoes and take them!
The Adidas Originals Vespa PX Women's Shoes is ideal for nostalgics and clothing connoisseurs alike. Clean, casual and free spirited, the textile and leather upper perfectly enhances the fresh silhouette.
For more,please visit http://www.enjoyingsport.com/sale/Adidas-Originals-Vespa-PX-Women-s-Shoes-White-Peachblow-164.html

Posted by: www.enjoyingsport.com at September 26, 2011 09:35 AM

UGG ブーツ

UGG ムートンブーツ

UGG サンダル

UGG Adirondack ブーツ

UGG Bailey Button Triplet ブーツ

UGG Bailey Button ブーツ

UGG Brookfield Tall ブーツ

UGG Broome ブーツ

UGG Chrystie ブーツ

UGG Classic Argyle Knit ブーツ

UGG Classic Cardy ブーツ

UGG Classic Crochet ブーツ

UGG Classic Mini ブーツ

UGG Corinth ブーツ

UGG Delaine ブーツ

UGG Langley ブーツ

UGG Liberty ブーツ

UGG Oliviya

UGG Seline ブーツ

Posted by: UGG ブーツ at September 14, 2011 09:10 PM

http://www.buy-shoes-bag.com
http://www.wholesalecheapsunglasses.com

Posted by: cheap nike shoes at September 4, 2011 08:38 PM

This is all very new to me and this article really opened my eyes.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.

Posted by: Led Car Badge at August 28, 2011 11:29 PM

Your blog article is very intersting and fanstic,at the same time the blog theme is unique and perfect,great job.To your success.

Posted by: China Inflatable at July 18, 2011 11:24 PM

Basing from the information presented in the nice article, I think youเน‚โ‚ฌย™ve made some truly interesting points.
http://xn--72czpzuh5bc9c2b3i.com http://xn--72czatb1b2alq5bc7ef7c5l8f.com http://www.musicheyha.com http://www.doonungonline.net http://xn--72c0a2ansc9af9d1c5dvb5db.com http://xn--72c0a2ansc9af9d1c5dvb5db.net http://www.music-dd.com

Posted by: cliffdotsonn at July 5, 2011 05:05 AM

http://shoesoutletstores.com/
http://shoesoutletstores.com/

Posted by: Christian Louboutin outlet at April 6, 2011 04:17 AM

Hi, just required you to know I have added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your extraordinary blog layout.I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I’ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.

Posted by: mylove-dress at April 5, 2011 10:38 PM

My colleague and I genuinely liked reading on this publication, I was just itching to acknowledge if you trade featured posts? I am always attempting to find someone to make deals with but it’s simply an insight I would call for.

Posted by: mylove-dress at April 5, 2011 09:07 PM

http://www.oilpaintingandframe.com

Posted by: susan at March 1, 2011 03:20 AM

Great!This article is creative，there are a lot of new idea，it gives me inspiration.I think I will also inspired by you and think about more new ideas.

This is a good,common sense article.Very helpful to one who is just finding the resouces about this part.It will certainly help educate me.

Good article, Each and every point is good enough.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.

I am totally agree with your oppinion.this blog post is very encouraging to people who want to know these topics.

Ha, that’s actually a really good suggestion. Thanks so much for this!

This is all very new to me and this article really opened my eyes.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.

Amazing stuff,Thanks so much for this!This is very useful post for me. This will absolutely going to help me in my projects .

Your blog article is very interesting and fanstic,at the same time the blog theme is unique and perfect,great job.To your success.

It's really a very good article,I learn so much thing from it,thanks.You are really a nice person.

Posted by: China Manufacturer at February 15, 2011 01:12 AM

This is such a nice addition thanks

Posted by: شات سعودي كول at February 1, 2011 07:33 AM

This is such a nice addition thanks

Posted by: سعودي كول at February 1, 2011 07:33 AM

http://www.coachbagspopular.com coach bags
http://www.coachbagspopular.com coach outlet
http://www.coachbagspopular.com coach handbags
http://www.coachbagspopular.com coach outlet store

Posted by: Coach Bags at December 30, 2010 03:33 AM

http://www.ghdsaleaustralia.com ghd australia
http://www.ghdsaleaustralia.com ghd hair
http://www.ghdsaleaustralia.com ghd hair straightener
http://www.ghdsaleaustralia.com ghd hair australia
http://www.ghdsaleaustralia.com ghd straigthener australia
http://www.ghdsaleaustralia.com ghd straightener

Posted by: GHD Australia at December 30, 2010 03:26 AM

penis büyütücü
Vajina daraltma
Via tight
vibratör
büyütücü
göğüs büyütücü
çatlak kremi
göğüs büyütücü krem
göğüs dikleştirici
vajina daraltma kremi,
penis büyütücüler
sivilce kremi
leke kremi,
andro extender,
geciktirici sprey,
alli hap,
beyazlaştırıcı krem,
star white,
zayıflama,
sex shop,
kozmetik,
kuvvet macunu,
göğüs kremi

Posted by: Penis Büyütücü at December 24, 2010 03:58 AM

Ugg Australia story began in 1978, when Brian Smith, a young surfer from Australia, took a trip to the United Sates with a bag full of sheepskin boots - UGG Boots.

Posted by: ugg uk at November 5, 2010 04:44 AM

This article is written in，I was looking for the
information.Thank you and your share this articl at here.

Posted by: China Tent at October 8, 2010 11:03 PM

gucci fedora hats

Posted by: gucci fedora hats at August 9, 2010 04:10 PM

Posted by: Knock Off Christian Louboutin Boots Sale at November 13, 2009 04:20 AM

Posted by: luxury watches at October 11, 2009 02:05 PM

www.replicaseller.com As a professional replica watch dealer we are 100% committed to your satisfaction. http://www.replicaseller.com/
http://www.brandlike.com/
http://www.replicaseller.com/montblanc/
http://www.replicaseller.com/breitling/
http://www.replicaseller.com/tagheuer/
http://www.replicaseller.com/rolex/

Posted by: replica watches at August 27, 2009 01:26 AM

Posted by: injection molding at June 15, 2009 01:40 AM

Excellent Jeff. Big difference is that you recognize your slight, while the FCC is blinded to their neglect of IP/Voip.

Be glad IP didn't get included in these Open Mtgs. Most likely, it would be pushed under an umbrella of beaurocracy, rather than being given the opportunity of cooperatively holding the umbrella.

Time will force them to accept the work of the commercial development and progress. Until then, we're left standing in the rain.

How can God bless America when we don't bless God?

Posted by: Rick at September 15, 2005 01:52 PM

Jeff, now that the June Supreme Court decision has come down, what do you think will be the final "classification" of Internet Service Providers by the FCC?

Do you think ISPs will remain classified as mere "information services" or do you think that they will be reclassified as "common carriers" and why?

Posted by: John at September 15, 2005 01:10 PM

September 15, 2005

The FCC's Failure to Recognize the Role of the Internet in Times of Public Crisis and as a Powerful Tool for Social Good:

Comments

Post a comment