garykamen / blog

11-08-08

How Barack Obama will Advance Technology

It’s no secret that President elect Barack Obama was the more tech-savvy of the two candidates. He ran a very technology-driven campaign, launching his own social network that attracted over 1.5 million participants (built by Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes), and built up a Facebook profile to over 2.7 million supporters. In the end, he was able to raise just over $600 million dollars - much of which from the web.

Now that the election is over, it will be interesting to see how he puts technology to work when running the country. Throughout the past year, he’s made some comments on tech-specific initiatives he supports.  I’ve summarized them into the following list:

Net neutrality – loosely defined is the idea that all internet content should be treated equally. In effect it prevents internet service providers from charging a premium for different types of data traffic. Many fear that this private regulation will hinder innovation. President Obama is strongly in favor of net neutrality.

Wireless spectrum Auction – the FCC is auctioning wireless spectrum in the 700MHz range, currently being used by television broadcasters, but no longer will be in early 2009 when they switch to the new digital signal. This frequency range is especially attractive to mobile service providers, who can use it to extend service to underserved and rural areas. Where’s the controversy? Broadcasters are worried it will interfere with their signal, as are wireless carriers for the same reason. The FCC however has tested these “white spaces” and says there is nothing to worry about. President Obama sides with the FCC. More on the issue here.

Internet Taxes – President Obama wants to keep the internet free of federal taxes.

Federal E-rate program – allows underfunded schools to get subsidized telecommunications and internet services. Created under the Clinton Administration, the program unfortunately has eroded throughout the past eight years. President Obama has pledged to reform the program by expanding and modernizing it.

Chief Technology Officer – this would be a new appointment created by the Obama Administration who would be in charge of finding ways to use technology in order to add a layer of transparency to government. This may include the use of wikis within the legislation process, webcasts of important meetings, or open websites to collect and display comments from the general public.

Anything I missed? Let me know in the comments.