Have you heard? The word is ‘ubiquitous’ wireless
Innovation Institute will undertake essential analysis of business models, engaging with industry to establish policies and programs that leverage the emerging new wireless technologies
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Its task force will be directed by Joyce Plotkin, President, Massachusetts & Technology Leadership Council, James Cash, retired Professor, Harvard Business School, and Rick Burnes, Co-founder and Director, Charles River Ventures.
At the direction of its Governing Board, the John Adams Innovation Institute will be supporting these efforts statewide by undertaking an analysis of the different business models being used in cities and communities across the nation and internationally. As an important part of the analysis, the Innovation Institute will engage with industry and talk about the ways to establish policies and programs that best leverage the emerging wireless technologies. The Governing Board anticipates using its May meeting as a forum in which to consider the role of government and potential business models for achieving the stated goals for broadband connectivity in Massachusetts. A final report—with policy recommendations and actions steps—will be issued by the Governing Board in the summer of 2006.
“The creation and deployment of ubiquitous, sustainable broadband access has become an imperative for regional economic growth in a global marketplace,” said Don Dubendorf, Chair of the Governing Board. “Today, with off-the-shelf technologies, communities around the world are overlaying ultra-fast broadband pipes, typically through a combination of fiber and wireless technologies, enabling speeds 100 times faster than what we currently experience, at nominal costs to the customer.”
An ad hoc advisory panel will serve to guide efforts by the Innovation Institute, drawn from a be a cross-section of public and private sector individuals who can help shape the Massachusetts discussion.
Massachusetts is not yet a leader in broadband connectivity, but these efforts will propel the Commonwealth in the right direction,” said Dubendorf. “Broadband is the economic catalyst of our times,” he continued. “It is to the 21st century what harbors were to the 17th, rivers to the 18th, railways to the 19th, and the interstate highway system to the 20th century.”
“Broadband is the new American economic revolution,” said Mitch Adams, MTC’s Executive Director, who will serve on the new task force. “Dozens of municipalities, large and small, are taking the lead, driven by the expectation that citizens ought to be able to connect with the Internet anytime and anywhere.”
