Barack Obama’s Top 5 technology promises

1_Net neutrality




The goal of net neutrality is to set rules and put laws in place to force service providers and telcos to allow all applications, services and devices access networks to perform on equal terms. Contrary to McCain who wanted to let the private sector sort this out, Obama promised to enforce net neutrality through federal legislation. Obama believes the federal government needs to stand behind it in order to prevent manipulation by carriers and service providers that in the end stalls innovation. Obama mentions this belief his tech paper that "a key reason the Internet has been such a success is because it is the most open network in history."




2_ Broadband penetration




When it comes to broadband penetration and speed, the U.S. country lags behind most parts of the world. In terms of speed, a CWA study puts the U.S. at position 15 on a worldwide scale, far behind the leaders Japan, South Korea and Finland. Various organizations attempted to get Congress to come up with an improved telecommunications policy with virtually no success at all. Obama promised to expand the Universal Service Fund in order to re-build the nation's broadband infrastructure. If that promise will be kept we are looking at one of the most significant infrastructure improvements of our time, but it is necessary to provide people in the U.S. with broadband access they need in the future.




3_Wireless spectrum




The existing wireless spectrum usage rules did not promote competition and failed to deliver benefits to end-users. A lack of competition and fair usage rules in the wireless space are key obstacles that hold back new innovation. Obama promised a thorough review of the existing wireless spectrum uses. Additionally, he wants government agencies that control the wireless spectrum to define a "smarter, more efficient and more imaginative use."




4_H-1B visas and offshoring




Job offshoring is a reality of our time, a trend that is driven by cost and globalization factors. Obama promised he would eliminate tax breaks to the companies which ship domestic jobs overseas, a move that could prove to be difficult, especially if offshoring is required in required global expansions of companies. However, Silicon Valley is likely to benefit from Obama's proposal to increase the number of H-1B non-immigrant visas needed to recruit foreign guest workers. The increase in granted H-1B visas could appear in sharp contrast with measures to reduce outsourcing, but it will actually allow tech companies to recruit highly specialized engineers and scientists to increase their competitiveness. Of course, that strategy needs to go in hand with a greater focus on education and enable U.S. companies to find the talent they need on these shores.




5_Privacy




Unfortunately, our privacy legislation appears to be always one step behind when it comes to high tech and online scenarios. Obama proposed increased security for electronic health records to and new measures to restrict the use of personal information stored in electronic databases. Cyber-criminals are also on Obama's agenda: The President-elect promised he would improve the Federal Trade Commission enforcement budget to battle spam and fund the fight against phishing and malware.