Wireless Probe, Nanotechnology Funding and Ted Kennedy, RIP
The Federal Communications Commission launches a three-part investigation into competition in the wireless industry.
The National Science Foundation dispenses new grants for nanotechnology research in New England.
Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) dies at age 77.
Listen to LibertyWeek, the CEI podcast, here.
1. TECHNOLOGY
The Federal Communications Commission launches a three-part investigation into competition in the wireless industry.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Information Policy Analyst Ryan Radia on why the investigation is unnecessary:
“The wireless industry is the last place regulators should be looking for alleged anti-competitive behavior. The wireless market is intensely competitive, and consumers enjoy a dizzying array of competing mobile platforms and service arrangements. Consumers looking for a mobile handset can select from the open source HTC G1 to the walled-off iPhone, and everything in between. In addition, practically every big wireless provider offers both long-term and month-to-month service options. Where is the anti-competitive behavior?”
2. SCIENCE
The National Science Foundation dispenses new grants for nanotechnology research in New England.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Regulatory Studies Fellow Ryan Young on the strings attached to public funding:
Given the potential returns nanotech research offers, putting public money into it seems like a great investment. From a humanitarian viewpoint, one could argue that the more money we spend on nanotech research, the more lives we could save. Nanotechnology may be on the verge of curing cancer, and it may help conquer other diseases in due time. Unfortunately, publicly funded research doesn’t work that way, no matter how noble the intentions of the people giving it out. Funding controversial research with taxpayer dollars can create a public backlash. Stem cell researchers found that out the hard way; in the wake of federal funding controversies, six states have banned embryonic stem cell research within their borders, period.
3. POLITICS
Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) dies at age 77.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Director of the Center for Investors and Entrepreneurs John Berlau on Kennedy’s forgotten legacy of deregulation:
“…for a brief, shining moment, in the mid to late 1970s, Kennedy viewed smaller government as the most compassionate answer in one area of economic life: transportation. Kennedy was the prime mover in Congress behind the airline and trucking deregulation bills that were signed by President Jimmy Carter. He saw the impact of regulation in these industries as protecting entrenched companies from competition, and decided that the liberal, compassionate thing to do was to deregulate to give consumers lower prices and more choices. As the news stories search for all the ways Kennedy’s impact is felt by everyday Americans, one obvious impact is reflected in this headline today on AOL news, “Fall Airfares Starting at $59.”
Listen to LibertyWeek, the CEI podcast, here.