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****************************************************************** ////////////// ////////////// ////////////// /// /// /// /////// /////// /////// /// /// /// ////////////// /// /// ****************************************************************** EFFector Online Volume 5 No. 3 3/5/1993 editors@eff.org A Publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation ISSN 1062-9424 321 lines -==--==--==-<>-==--==--==- In this issue: Representative Markey Speaks on Tech Policy Announcement of Midwest Rural Datafication Meeting EFF Funding -==--==--==-<>-==--==--==- Coverage of Representative Markey's Speech to Computer Execs on Technology Policy In an article in the New York Times of Tuesday, February 23, 1993 entitled "Computer Makers Told To Get Involved in Rules" by Steve Lohr, it was reported that Representative Edward J. Markey, Democrat of Massachusetts and chairman of the House subcommittee on telecommunications warned a gathering of computer industry executives at a conference in Phoenix that their industry was "in danger of losing out in the emerging but potentially enormous business of providing computer services to American homes and offices unless it became involved in the Federal standard-setting that will occur this year." Markey emphasized that, given the Clinton Administration's focus on technology policy, some critical steps will certainly take place this year toward the establishment of "a so- called data superhighway that will eventually reach every home in the country." Markey said, "Decisions will be made this year that will affect the rest of your lives, and unless you participate, the rules will be cut in a way that may not be to your advantage." As the Times pointed out, "The regulated telephone industry is a seasoned practitioner of shaping government rules, but most computer and software companies are entrepreneurial upstarts that have grown and thrived outside the reach of regulatory controls. Traditionally, the industry rarely dealt with Washington." Markey described the size of the potential market for services that a national network could create and how the speed at which that network will develop and which companies will benefit by it depend largely on Federal and state regulations which will be on the Federal table in the near future. The Times then described ISDN as part of a plan promoted by some in the computer industry "to insure that digital phone service is available nationally at affordable rates" and as "a middle ground between the current technology and the super-speed fully fiber- optic network that is often discussed. But the fiber-optics data highway, by most estimates, would not reach most households until after 2010 and at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars. "By contrast, the digital network could reach every office and house in America in less than five years, estimates Mitchell Kapor, president of the Electronic Frontier Foundation." "A computer pioneer turned advocate, Mr. Kapor is pushing Federal and state regulators to insure that the digital network is available, standardized and affordable nationally." The Times said that "Markey is preparing Federal legislation to push the digital format later this year" and quoted him as saying, "ISDN. is something that can be done now, and it will help unleash the next wave of computer and software innovation, creating jobs and wealth." Markey was further quoted as saying, "The Government should set standards for openness and fund pilot projects, but it isn't going to pay for the information highway. The money just won't be there." ************************************************************************ Regional Group Activities: ************************************************************************ Submitted by Ed Vielmetti in Ann Arbor: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Preliminary Program Announcement Rural Datafication: Achieving the goal of Ubiquitous Access to the Internet May 14, 1993 Chicago, IL A joint conference focused on extending the services of the Internet to difficult-to-reach and typically under-served user communities. Jointly sponsored by CICNet and the following state networks Illinois: netILLINOIS Indiana: INDnet Iowa: IREN Michigan: MichNet Minnesota: MRNet New York: NYSERNet Pennsylvania: PREPnet Wisconsin: WiscNet Conference focus and theme: --------------------------- CICNet is pleased to announce Rural Datafication as a major cooperative initiative among nine networking organizations committed to the creation of ubiquitous data networking services throughout their region and, indeed, throughout the nation. As part of this initiative, these organizations have agreed to co-sponsor a conference which builds on an already successful collaboration between CICNet and the above networks and which will focus on two primary areas: 1. Ways to most effectively respond to user communities which desire Internet services but which are currently unable to obtain Internet access. 2. Ways to best enhance existing services to those populations which which make use of non-dedicated connections: i.e., users whose access to the Internet is via dial-up modem rather than high speed dedicated lines. The focus includes users who use SLIP and PPP to get direct connections to the Internet, and users who use Internet facilities via dial-up terminal emulation. Come, join, and assist us as we plan for increased access for such communities. Examples include elementary and high schools, public libraries, small businesses, organizations located in remote geographic areas, and the rapidly evolving community of users who need Internet access from their homes. Help us develop ideas for new programs and services both useful and interesting. Meet other people who are committed to expanding the network's usefulness. Intended Audience: We invite you to meet with us to share information and successes you may have, to learn from the information and successes of others, to talk with people interested in developing the potential of networks, and to discuss ways to develop the rural datafication theme as a major initiative focused on meeting the needs of the user communities discussed throughout this announcement. This conference is specifically intended for three key communities: 1. Providers of networked information, whether they be network organizations or not, who are committed to assisting us as we pursue our rural datafication strategy. 2. Users of networked information: teachers, researchers, librarians, scientists, lawyers, bankers -- in short, those who are interested in contributing to and gaining from the growing electronically- connected community. We are particularly interested in attracting users interested in the rural datafication concept. 3. Perhaps of most importance, potential users of networked information who which to either learn about the network or advise us on how best to construct a truly pervasive and ubiquitous data network. Agenda, dates and times: ----------------------- Friday, May 14th: Opening remarks begin at 9:15 am Closing remarks will conclude at 4:30 PM An optional early registration and opening Reception will be held on Thursday, May 13th from 5 - 7pm. Location and fees: ----------------- McCormick Center Hotel Lake Shore Drive at 23rd Street Chicago, IL 60616 +1.312.791.1900 Conference room rates: Single $85; Double $95 Conference fee: $69 -- includes Friday lunch, morning and afternoon breaks, and Thursday's registration reception To be placed on the list to receive additional information, please email, mail, or fax your request for additional information to: email: may14@cic.net fax: +1.313.998.6105 mail: Rural Datafication CICNet 2901 Hubbard Ann Arbor, MI 48105 We will need either your e-mail or postal address with the request for additional information. We would like you to list a particular area of interest that you have, relevant to the theme of the conference. Queries may also be directed to Julie-Elise Burroughs at +1.313.998.6103 or to Glee Cady at +1.313.998.6419 -==--==--==-<>-==--==--==- EFF Funding The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. Our total budget for 1993 will be in the neighborhood of $1.7 million. Like many other public interest advocacy groups, EFF sustains its activities through membership dues, individual donations and gifts, and foundation and corporate grants. Much of EFF's research on public policy and technology is conducted through the Communications Policy Forum (CPF). Jointly sponsored by EFF, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), CPF brings together consumer groups, communications and computer firms, and public policy experts to explore communications policy options. CPF does not engage in lobbying or take positions on issues. It is broadly supported by foundations and corporations with widely divergent and conflicting views on communications policy. Funders include: Adobe Systems Apple Computers AT&T Bauman Foundation Bell Atlantic Benton Foundation Dun & Bradstreet Electronic Mail Association IBM Interval Researc Lotus Development Corp. MCI Telecommunications Microsoft Corporation Newspaper Assoc. of America NCTA RSA Data Security Sun Microsystems Tides Foundation EFF's policy goals and advocacy positions are determined by EFF's board and staff. In support of these positions, EFF does, from time to time, assemble political coalitions that include EFF corporate funders and other public interest organizations. For example, corporations such as Lotus Development Corporation, Microsoft, and Apple Computer have contributed funding for EFF's digital privacy work. Major individual donations and foundation and corporate grants range from $10,000 to $250,000. EFF also receives many smaller donations from individuals supportive of its work. EFF has over 1,000 members who pay dues of either $40 or $20 annually. ============================================================= EFFector Online is published by The Electronic Frontier Foundation 666 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20003 Phone: +1 202 544-9237 FAX: +1 202 547 5481 Internet Address: eff@eff.org Coordination, production and shipping by Cliff Figallo, EFF Online Communications Coordinator (fig@eff.org) Reproduction of this publication in electronic media is encouraged. Signed articles do not necessarily represent the view of the EFF. To reproduce signed articles individually, please contact the authors for their express permission. *This newsletter is printed on 100% recycled electrons* ============================================================= MEMBERSHIP IN THE ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION In order to continue the work already begun and to expand our efforts and activities into other realms of the electronic frontier, we need the financial support of individuals and organizations. If you support our goals and our work, you can show that support by becoming a member now. Members receive our bi-weekly electronic newsletter, EFFector Online (if you have an electronic address that can be reached through the Net), and special releases and other notices on our activities. But because we believe that support should be freely given, you can receive these things even if you do not elect to become a member. Your membership/donation is fully tax deductible. Our memberships are $20.00 per year for students, $40.00 per year for regular members, and $100.00 per year for organizations. You may, of course, donate more if you wish. Our privacy policy: The Electronic Frontier Foundation will never, under any circumstances, sell any part of its membership list. We will, from time to time, share this list with other non-profit organizations whose work we determine to be in line with our goals. But with us, member privacy is the default. This means that you must actively grant us permission to share your name with other groups. If you do not grant explicit permission, we assume that you do not wish your membership disclosed to any group for any reason. ============================================================= Mail to: The Electronic Frontier Foundation, Inc. 238 Main St. Cambridge, MA 02142 I wish to become a member of the EFF. I enclose: $_______ $20.00 (student or low income membership) $40.00 (regular membership) [ ] I enclose an additional donation of $_______ Name: Organization: Address: City or Town: State: Zip: Phone: ( ) (optional) FAX: ( ) (optional) Email address: I enclose a check [ ]. Please charge my membership in the amount of $ to my Mastercard [ ] Visa [ ] American Express [ ] Number: Expiration date: Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: I hereby grant permission to the EFF to share my name with other non-profit groups from time to time as it deems appropriate [ ]. Initials:___________________________