The Gordian Knot: Political Gridlock on the Information Highway

By W. Russell Neuman, Lee W. McKnight, Richard Jay Solomon

Book Overview

In a broad account accessible to generalist and specialist alike, the authors--social scientists as well as technologists--address the current national debate about the development of a National Information Infrastructure. They locate the debate in its historical context and outline a bold vision of an open communications infrastructure that will cut through the political gridlock that threatens this "information highway."The authors detail what is wrong with the political process on National Information Infrastructure policymaking and assess how different media systems (telecommunications, radio, television broadcasting, and the like) were originally established, spelling out the technological assumptions and organizational interests on which they were based and showing why the old policy models are now breaking down. This analysis leads logically to a policy proposal for a reformed regulatory structure that builds and protects meaningful competition but abandons its role as arbiter of tariffs and definer of the public interest.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0262640392
• ISBN13: 9780262640398
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Mit Pr
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 5.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Great introduction to telecom policy issues and history

This was the first book I read about information and telecommunications policy, and it made me feel like I was not alone, lost in the confusing jungle of telecommunications: the historical baggage this field carries with it makes it difficult for any author to approach. However, Gordian Knot does a good job: comparing the present with the past (railways) and offering a solution that would really promote competition in communications. This book was read for an intro course on telecommunications policy, and is something I would suggest all people interested in the debates surrounding the development of infrastructure and competition in telecommunications should read. To supplement, I would suggest: Technologies of Freedom - Pool, and Brock's 'Telecom Policy for the Information Age'.