Broadband Technology: Challenges and Opportunities for Digital Convergence

Abstract

An important struggle for the control of the Internet is underway. It is fundamental in as much as it initiates control of the broadband network itself. It raises issues about what resources users will be able to reach, what content will be accessible, from whom and at what price and what functions application providers will be able to deliver. A core issue is control of transmission capacity. The chapter notes the struggles between carrier/content interests which desire to use Internet technologies for control of the global network and the global Internet. Implications for terrestrial networks, radio spectrum and satellite broadband are discussed. Finally the chapter concludes that access to broadband networks is a pre-condition for opening up opportunities for globalization and social integration and for making the power of the knowledge economy widespread. International organizations have a significant role to play in advancing this process.