July 28, 2011

NMRC Telenews Event
Experts: New Prepaid Wireless Subscriber Growth Rate Continues to Outpace Contract-Based Wireless

News Release

Event Audio

February 10, 2011

NMRC Telenews Event
"Recession has Cell Phone Consumers' Number, as Two Out of Three New Wireless Subscribers in U.S. Go Prepaid"

Report
News Release

Event Audio

2010

November 4, 2010

NMRC Telenews Event
"Survey: 25 Million Penny-Pinching U.S. Consumers Set To Switch To No-Contract/Prepaid Wireless in Next Six Months"

News Release

Survey Report

Event Audio

March 31, 2010

NMRC Telenews Event
"Recession has Cell Phone Consumers' Number, as Two Out of Three New Wireless Subscribers in U.S. Go Prepaid"

News Release

Event Audio

2009

December 10, 2009

Expert: Prepaid Customers No Longer Limited to "Low-Tech Phones"

October 15, 2009

NMRC Media Availability
"Reaction to Walmart Entry Into Prepaid Wireless"

March 19, 2009

NMRC Telenews Event
"Cell Phone Users and the Economic Downturn"

Deepening concerns about the recession already have caused millions of U.S. consumers to cut back on their cell phone spending and millions more are poised to join their ranks if the economic downturn continues as expected for another six months, according to a major new scientific survey of 2,005 Americans conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) for the NMRC.

Survey Report
News Release

Event Audio

2006

April 4, 2006
Broadband and the Baby Boomer Challenge
The NMRC hosted a Capitol Hill Briefing with Robert Litan and three leading experts from the senior and disability communities to discuss how super fast Internet services can help alleviate social and financial crises associated with "graying" of America.
Great Expectations
Media Release

March 22, 2006
The Cable Consumer’s Future: A Collection of Expert Commentaries on the Benefits of Video Choice
The NMRC hosted a policy panel at the Telecom-Next conference with four leading telecommunications experts who discussed how expended competition for video services could offer social and economic benefits for consumers and communities. The scholars cited recent research which demonstrated that consumers in competitive cable markets are saving money and how small businesses could reap benefits from increased video choice.
Media Release

McClure Presentation

Pociask Presentation

Spiwak Presentation

February 3, 2005 -
Not In The Public Interest - The Myth of Municipal Wi-Fi Networks -- Why Municipal Schemes to Provide Wi-Fi Broadband Services With Public Funds Are Ill-Advised
This NMRC report features six telecom policy experts discussing problems with publicly funded Wi-Fi broadband networks. Numerous cities are debating whether to commit taxpayer funds to deploy Wi-Fi networks. Experts examine recent developments and find city-funded networks will likely cost more than anticipated, fail to deliver hoped-for economic development, and hurt broadband competition.
[Media Coverage]
[Audio Archive]

December 1, 2004 -
Transcripts: The End of Regulation? Reforming Telecom Policy and Regulators' Roles to Meet New Market Realities
NMRC releases edited transcript of October 27, 2004 NMRC event focusing on the proper role of reuglation; the future role of regulators; the state of competition in the broadband world; and whether a proposed Internet "layers" framework would work in an IP world.

October 27, 2004
The End of Regulation? Reforming Telecom Policy and Regulators' Roles to Meet New Market Realities
Federal and State regulators agreed that the pace of technological change in the industry has made many existing telecom regulations passé and the cross-border aspect of many new technologies reinforces the idea of regulating from a unified national perspective. With traditional telecom services rapidly migrating to Internet protocol based technologies, policymakers will need to reconsider the worth of existing 'rules of engagement 'for the telecom industry.
[ Media Coverage ]

September 29, 2004 Transcripts: Making Communities Safer: Immediate and Near Term Solutions to Resolve Interoperable Communications Problems for First Responders
	The NMRC releases a 'roadmap' document that can be used by the Department of Homeland Security's new Office of Interoperability and Compatibility to set priorities and assess solutions to address the nation's communications interoperability crisis. [Edited Transcript] [Full Transcript]

September 14, 2004
Making Communities Safer: Immediate and Near Term Solutions to Resolve Interoperable Communications Problems for First Responders
This NMRC panel event focused attention on the lack of interoperable communications for America's first responders and possible strategies for overcoming this critical public safety issue that was highlighted on September 11, 2001 and has not yet been resolved. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), keynoted the event and was followed by three panels featuring technical experts, academic researchers, and government officials.
[ Media Coverage ]

July 13, 2004 Free Ride: Deficiencies of the MCI 'Layers' Policy Model and the Need for Principles that Encourage Competition in the New IP World

This NMRC report, launched at a National Press Club event, provides an in-depth assessment of MCI's proposed "layers" policy model. Authored by eight leading telecom policy experts, the report examines whether the layers policy can work as a replacement for existing regulations and presents author's views on the impact of the proposed changes on industry and investment. The report concludes that, if adopted, the layers policy model can create significant competitive advantage for certain telecom providers and be a disincentive for investment in new networks. [ Report ] [ Media Coverage ]

June 8, 2004 Hastening the Transition to Internet Protocol (IP) Networks: Implications For Consumers, Industry, And Regulators

Experts in Internet Protocol (IP) technology and policy issues today called on regulators to develop a regulation free Internet platform that drives consumer choice. A New Millennium Research Council (NMRC) breakfast panel provided attendees with the view that the IP world is a highly competitive marketplace with growing choices for consumers, application and network providers. [ Agenda ] [ Speaker Biographies ] [ Presentations ] [ Media Coverage ]

March 9, 2004 -
NMRC Scholar Bowe participates in broadband demo with disability activists on Capitol Hill
Dr. Frank Bowe, a seated scholar of the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC) and professor at Hofstra University will participate in a live hands-on technology demonstration March 10, 2004 on Capitol Hill. The demonstration will highlight the benefits that ubiquitous deployment of broadband connections will have on people with disabilities. Dr. Bowe will be joined by Kelby Brick, Associate Executive Director-National Association of the Deaf, and Andrew J. Imparato, President and CEO-American Association of People with Disabilities.

2011

February 10, 2011 -
Subsidized Cell Phones Provide Significant Economic Gains for Poor and Near-PoorAmericans

2010

November 4, 2010 -
"Net10Prepaid Wireless Consumer Trends National Poll"

March 31, 2010 -
"Recession has Cell Phone Consumers' Number, as Two Out of Three New Wireless Subscribers in U.S. Go Prepaid"

2009

March 19, 2009 -
The First Annual New Millennium Research Council Survey on Consumers, Cell Phones and the Economy
Deepening concerns about the recession already have caused millions of U.S. consumers to cut back on their cell phone spending and millions more are poised to join their ranks if the economic downturn continues as expected for another six months, according to a major new scientific survey of 2,005 Americans conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) for the NMRC.
[News Release]

2008

December 4, 2008 -
Prepaid Phones in the U.S.: Myths, Lack of Consumer Knowledge Blocking Wider Use
A major new national survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) for the NMRC examines what keeps consumers from using alternatives to often more expensive postpaid cell phone service. The survey finds that a combination of consumer uncertainty and myths about prepaid phones may account for the lower level of use in the U.S.
[Media Release]

March 26, 2008 -
Cell Phones Provide Significant Economic Gains for Low-Income American Households
Cell phones play a much bigger role in helping Americans get work, make money and respond in emergency situations than previously was thought to be the case, according to a first-of-its-kind report by Nicholas P. Sullivan, research fellow, Center for Developmental Communications, The Media Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The report concludes that providing cell phones to the 38 percent of America’s 45 million poorest households now without them -- including millions of seniors, Hispanics, African-Americans and rural residents -- could help them get work or make money worth $2.9 billion-$11 billion.
[Media Release]

August 9, 2007 -
The Never Ending Rush Hour: Internet Traffic Growth Requires Continual Investment in Capacity and Innovation in Network Management
The NMRC/Analysys report finds with YouTube and dozens of imitators generating over 100 million user-generated videos a day, today’s Internet is now in the grips of a non-stop digital rush hour that could turn into gridlock unless major investments are made in new capacity and intelligent network technologies. Policymakers should encourage new investments and ensure network managers have the flexibility to experiment with new traffic management technologies and strategies.
[Media Release]

June 22, 2007
NMRC Milestones: Data Retention Questions and Mandates
To explore this important and complex issue, including the balance between personal privacy and law enforcement needs, the NMRC sought the opinions of two telecommunications policy and privacy experts. Hance Haney, a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute, questions whether there is a certain degree of futility attempting to track individual digital movement and explores the utility of such records for law enforcement agencies. Peter Swire, a professor of law at the Ohio State University and a fellow at the Center for American Progress raises important points about the security of data retained by Internet service providers or the government.

March 20, 2007
NMRC Milestones: Teleworking Towards Tomorrow
The NMRC brought together four nationally-recognized experts to explore the “hot” topics in telework and provide their thoughts on the continuing growth of alternative work scenarios. Joanne Pratt, a national telework consultant, examines the overall growth in telework, showing how changes in technology have quickly accelerated the use of remote work arrangements. Chuck Wilsker and John Edwards of the Telework Coalition discuss the important role of telework in business continuity planning. Finally, Dr. Cynthia Ruppel of the University of Alabama, Huntsville analyzes telework from both domestic and international perspectives. These diverse articles showcase the current benefits of telework, the hurdles that must be overcome to accelerate telework adoption, and the technologies that are changing the way we all work.

February 26, 2007 -
Overcoming the Psychology Barriers to Telemedicine: Empowering Older Americans to Use Remote Health Monitoring Services
According to this new NMRC report, concerns held by older Americans regarding telemedicine services, including fear of reduced social interaction and strong desires to protect personal information, are under-scrutinized in telemedicine research. Experts indicate that further study of older patient perceptions of telehealth applications may yield important lessons for doctors and providers; increasing awareness of telemedicine benefits may encourage seniors to more widely adopt new home-based health technologies.
[Media Release]

June 7, 2006 -
The State of IPTV 2006: The Advent of Personalized Programming
This NMRC white paper examines the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) market and industry and finds that many experts believe 2006 has the potential to be a year of expansion and innovation for online video programming. Analysts have projected that the IPTV revenues could exceed $50 billion by the end of the decade and an increasing number of diverse providers are offering IPTV content and services.
[Media Release]

December 8, 2005 -
Great Expectations: Potential Economic Benefits to the Nation From Accelerated Broadband Deployment to Older Americans and Americans with Disabilities
This NMRC report, authored by Robert E. Litan of the Kauffman Foundation and Brookings Institution, identifies up to $927 billion in cost savings and output benefits from “business as usual” broadband deployment and an additional $532 billion-$847 billion in economic benefits from accelerated broadband deployment to older Americans and individuals with disabilities.
[Media Release]
[Audio Coverage]

May 4, 2005 -
The Media Monopoly Myth - How New Competition is Expanding Our Sources of Information and Entertainment
A new 50-page study by Benjamin M. Compaine, released by the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC) deflates claims about a supposed over-concentration in the ownership of media organizations in the U.S. The study shows that there is actually more diversity in media ownership and more programming choices for Americans today than was the case 20 years ago.
[Media Release]
[Audio Coverage]

February 24, 2005 -
Powering the Broadband Market in 2005 and Beyond: Views on the Emergence of Broadband Over Power Line Technology (BPL)
This NMRC white paper examines the current landscape in the broadband over power line (BPL) industry and finds that many experts believe 2005 could be a year of significant growth for the technology. Trials and actual commercial deployments of BPL systems are on the rise, with over 20 projects in operation in 2004 and more expected to come online in 2005. Challenges remain, such as potential radio interference, but regulators and industry watchers see a bright future for BPL.
[Media Release]
[Media Coverage]
[Audio Coverage]

February 3, 2005 -
Not In The Public Interest - The Myth of Municipal Wi-Fi Networks -- Why Municial Schemes to Provide Wi-Fi Broadband Services With Public Funds Are Ill-Advised
This NMRC report features six telecom policy experts discussing problems with publicly funded Wi-Fi broadband networks. Numerous cities are debating whether to commit taxpayer funds to deploy Wi-Fi networks. Experts examine recent developments and find city-funded networks will likely cost more than anticipated, fail to deliver hoped-for economic development, and hurt broadband competition.
[Media Coverage]
[Audio Archive]

June 28, 2004 -
New NMRC and Pew Internet Project Paper Examines Consumer Attitudes on VoIP
New research by the Pew Internet & American Life Project and the New Millennium Research Council show that 27% of Internet users have heard of Voice over Internet Protocol phone calling, and 13% of that population have considered adopting VoIP in the home. This translates into 34 million Americans who have heard of VoIP and 4 million who have considered getting the service at home.
[ Media Coverage ]

April 28, 2004 -
NMRC Counterpoint Article: CEI's Braden Cox Advocates Telecom Investment Not Myths

April 26, 2004 - Taxing High-Speed Services: A Quantification of the Effects on the DSL Industry and Universal Service

This new NMRC study, authored by economist Stephen B. Pociask, president of TeleNomic Research, LLC and NMRC scholar shows that increasing Internet access taxes on DSL services would have a severe negative effect on current universal service revenues and available program funds. As much as $280 million would be at risk. Reduced demand for DSL services would also jeopardize state and local tax revenues, job growth, and stifle e-commerce thus affecting U.S. productivity and economic recovery. [ Media Coverage ]

March 15, 2004 - NMRC Scholar Stephen Pociask documents small business use of telecom and Internet services for Small Business Administration Report

Stephen B. Pociask, a seated scholar of the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC) and president of TeleNomic Research LLC, released a report titled, A Survey of Small Businesses' Telecommunications Use and Spending, March 12, 2004 under contract with the Small Business Administration. The report finds that small businesses spend a considerable amount for telecommunication services and that the level of expenditures varies by industry and firm size. As in so many other areas of regulation, small firms are affected by telecommunication policies in a manner disproportionate to their size, the report notes. [ Report Summary ] [ Full Report ]

January 6, 2004 - Directions for the Next New Age of Telecom Regulation

The report's four authors recommend that government regulators develop policies that allow telecom companies to focus on innovation, unfettered competition, and consumer benefits to jumpstart the industry. The report finds that current pricing policies inhibit network investment, and that a deregulated telecom sector will benefit consumers, create jobs, and provide a much-needed boost to economic recovery.