[Chapter-delegates] Jason's comments on ISOC becoming active in standards

[Dave Burstein]

​Eric​

 However, as Jason asked, why would we want to prop up government-lead
> competitors to open SDO’s like the IETF?


​Fair question. ​Even though ISOC has taken off the home page "The Internet
is for everyone," that to me remains the key goal.

​0) Because by showing up, we can bring these organizations much closer to
the goals we share of transparency, openness, and representation. (Call
that multi-stakeholder if you prefer.) I've personally observed you can
make a difference if you get involved, are articulate, and are
well-informed on the technology issues.​

​1) Because IETF hasn't (so far) taken the initiative on many of the key
issues that changes the cost of connecting to the Internet. Most of those
connecting today do so via smartphones, LTE & Wi-Fi, where (many) decisions
at standards drive up the costs and reduce security & trust. Eric, Jason -
can we move these to IETF? I would support you.

2) Because to get things done, it helps to be heard where the action is.
​Issuing grand statements to the converted is fine; without active work
that changes things, we have no impact. Half of the Wi-Fi spectrum could be
taken over by the telcos under the 3GPP current plans. Smartphone prices
could double under the royalty rules prevalent there.

3) The standards groups, including the ITU Study Groups, have very little
government role in fact. They are dominated by corporations, especially
large multinationals we all know and love. The main exception is when the
U.S. gets involved on behalf of our security interests. The U.S. also
sometimes gets involved to back up our companies, per Ambassador David
Gross. On issues that affect the cost of access, the companies drive the
decisions.

4) Sometimes, from some companies, the corporations support people -
including Jason - who put the public good first. Generally, corporate
delegates will not vote against their employers interests. You don't have
to be a leftist to acknowledge that generally the corporate interest is
higher prices that lead to higher profits. There's an important exception:
Google makes their money selling ads and the corporate interest is to bring
down costs and get people connected. But most of the powerful companies
sell products and services and benefit often from higher prices. Same for
royalties.
​
5) The state hasn't withered away in my lifetime. Until we have revolutions
embodying the deep principles of libertarian or communal ideals, not
engaging means the states and the corporations so often controlling them
have more power, not less.

6) Because while a welcoming big tent is appealing, most of the decisions
that make a difference ​do affect someone's profits. That's why we need
people who put the public interest first, to step up.

Jason, Eric - are these not relevant factors? I just don't see IETF taking
the leading role on so many of these crucial issues.

Dave Burstein



-- 
Editor, Fast Net News, Net Policy News and DSL Prime
Author with Jennie Bourne  DSL (Wiley) and Web Video: Making It Great,
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