In this week’s class, we’ll consider the basics of communications network infrastructure — what it is, how it works, and who owns and controls it. Why does the “digital divide” (still) matter? Who does and doesn’t have access to the Internet — and how does digital access affect access to opportunities, services, and the basics of life in the 21st century? This week, and throughout the semester, we want to pay particular attention to issues of race, class, and equity.
Guest Speaker: Joshua Breitbart, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, NYC — POSTPONED
To be reviewed before class:
- Overview of Network Infrastructure Mechanics and Ownership in NYC: Center for Urban Pedagogy, “The Internet Is Serious Business” (2008) {video: 28:36} [please read the introduction before watching the video!].
- NYC Internet Master Planning: NYC Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer, “Executive Summary,” The Internet Master Plan (2020) [click “Read the Summary”].
- History and Political Economy of Network Development in the US: Tim Wu, The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires (Vintage, 2011): read Chapter 1 via The New York Times.
- Internet Adoption Demographics: Internet/Broadband Fact Sheet: Pew Research Center, 2019.
- The Dynamics of the Digital Divide: Dharma Dailey et al., “Broadband Adoption in Low-Income Communities,” Social Science Research Council (2010): 3-24.
- Please sign up for your Reading Response dates!
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:
- Municipal Networks to Redress the Digital Divide: Gideon Lewis-Kraus, “Inside the Battle to Bring Broadband to New York’s Public Housing,” Wired (November 3, 2016).
- Communications Infrastructure Basics: Paul Starr, “New Connections: Telephone, Cable, and Wireless” in The Creation of the Media: Political Origins of Modern Communications (Basic Books, 200): 191-230; “Internet History,” Computer Hope.
- Communication Infrastructure Political Economy: Roxana Radu, “Revisiting the Origins: The Internet and its Early Governance” in Negotiating Internet Governance (Oxford, 2019): 42-74.
- Digital Master Planning and Community Input: Bianca Wylie, Submission to the City of Toronto Digital Infrastructure Plan Consultation – Round 1,” Medium (Dec. 20, 2019).