Technology & Telecom
WPC's Technology & Telecom Project focuses on wireless regulations, access to broadband internet, wireline regulatory environment, open source issues, telecom regulations, video franchise reform, technology and privacy issues, and more.
Press Releases
Study: Statewide Cable Video Franchise Reform Helps Consumers
(January 11, 2007) - In Washington and across the country, cable television consumers are frustrated with soaring cable bills and poor customer service. Video franchise reform can significantly lower prices and improve service by ending the local monopolies which have long protected cable companies from competition.
New Communications Policy Guide Available
Seattle - Washington Policy Center and the Institute for Policy Innovation today released a new policy guide focusing on telecommunications and emerging communications technology.
Washington Policy Center Submits Comments Opposing Net Neutrality Regulation
Seattle – Yesterday Carl Gipson, director for technology and telecommunications research at Washington Policy Center, submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission in response to the agency's “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” proposing new regulations that would impact the future growth and quality of the Internet by subjecting it to the whims of federal regulators.
In Washington Policy Center’s comments, Gipson stated:
European Union Ruling Against Microsoft Hurts Future Technological Innovation
Seattle - The European Commission's decision in the Microsoft case is a blow against free and open competition in the world marketplace. Instead of constantly working to improve its software for customers, the ruling forces Microsoft to sell an inferior product as part of a government-sanctioned effort to help competing companies.
Circuit Court Decision Threatens the Future of Competition in Washington
Seattle- The action taken by the 5th circuit court last week is a set back for consumer choice. In throwing out the Federal Communications Commissions' rules requiring the regional bell companies to provide competitors access to the public network, they have effectively ended competitive choice for local telephone service in Washington.
It's Time for Consumer Choice in Local Phone Service
Seattle - After six years Washingtonians are still waiting for choice in local telephone service.
Justice Department Decision Brings Welcome Dose of Commonsense to the Microsoft Case
Seattle - The Justice Department's decision not to seek the break-up of Microsoft is good news for our state and for the nation. It brings a welcome dose of commonsense to a case that has already gone much too far, if indeed it was ever justified in the first place.
Swift and fair resolution of the case is essential not only for the obvious benefit this company brings to our economy, but to forestall two dangerous trends that threaten to emerge from it:
1. The regulation of the software industry by the federal government.
Microsoft Ruling is a Victory for the People of Washington
Seattle - Certainly yesterday's unanimous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals on the Microsoft case is good news for one company, but it is also a major victory for the people of Washington state.
In addition to employing over 18,300 people in Washington, some 307,000 state residents own stock in the software giant. The government's aggressive anti-trust case has already helped evaporate billions of dollars in stock value, contributing to the recent cooling of our state economy.
Click! Network Contributes to Rise in Energy Costs in Tacoma
Seattle - New research finds that much of the increase in Tacoma's electric bills can be traced to Tacoma Public Utilities' (TPU) misguided attempt to enter the telecommunications market. Tacoma ratepayers are being asked to shoulder higher energy costs today because TPU drained its reserves to build the Click! Network.
Case Against Microsoft Likely to be Repealed, says Washington Institute
Seattle - Research by the Washington Institute Foundation, a free-market, think tank located in Seattle, concludes the judges on the D.C. appeals court should find sufficient grounds for reversal. Two reasons are outlined in the Institute's latest Policy Notes: The Many Flaws in the Case Against Microsoft and Judge's Mistakes Provide Good Reasons for Overturning Case Against Microsoft.