Internet Society Hosts Panel to Address Implications of 'Net Neutrality' and Internet Bandwidth Growth

Media Advisory

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by The Internet Society:

When: Tuesday 10 November 2009, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (UTC+9); Monday 9 November 2009, 9:45 p.m. EST, 6:45 p.m. PST

What: The Internet Society (ISOC), a nonprofit organisation providing leadership in Internet-related standards, education and policy, today announced it will host a panel discussion during the 76th meeting of the Internet Engineering Task Force meeting (IETF 76) in Hiroshima, Japan. The mission of the IETF is make the Internet work better by producing high quality, relevant technical documents that influence the way people design, use, and manage the Internet. This panel discussion will address the reality of current and future issues associated with Internet bandwidth growth in Japan and across the globe.

Why: As policy debates around issues such as "network neutrality" are underway, and businesses are making decisions based on predictions of increased network usage and congestion, understanding the realities of bandwidth use is crucial. Network operators are already managing their networks to address issues raised by bandwidth-intensive applications. However, the reality of measuring and understanding Internet bandwidth growth and use--and its implications--are complex. This panel will provide data- and experience-driven perspectives that address and inform the recurring apprehension of the Internet's impending collapse due to the explosive growth in Internet bandwidth.

ISOC has arranged an impressive panel with individuals from a range of disciplines who are coming together for the first time to discuss the issue of Internet bandwidth growth.

During this briefing, these leaders from the Internet community will share their research about and experiences with bandwidth growth on the Internet today. The goal of the discussions will be to identify key issues, and to address questions such as:

• Is there anything different about bandwidth growth today that will cause problems not faced in the past?
• Are there better ways than those currently employed by network operators to manage issues raised by bandwidth-intensive applications?
• What role can the IETF play, and how does related work underway in the IETF factor into these issues?
  

Who: Internet Society's Leslie Daigle will moderate a distinguished panel of Internet experts including:

• Kenjiro Cho, Senior Researcher for Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ) - one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers.
• Lars Eggert, Principal Scientist at Nokia Research Center (NRC), IETF Transport Area Director -NRC explores technology frontiers, solving scientific challenges today, for Nokia to deliver irresistible personal experiences tomorrow.
• Danny McPherson, Chief Security Officer, Arbor Networks - leading provider of secure service control solutions for global business networks.
• Richard Woundy, Senior Vice President, Comcast - one of the United States' leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services.
• Leslie Daigle, Chief Internet Technology Officer, The Internet Society - a global nonprofit organisation providing leadership in Internet related standards, education and policy.
  

Where: Hiroshima, Japan, Orchid West Room, ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel

Event Information: Please visit the ISOC event page at http://isoc.org/bandwidth to listen to a live audio feed and view slides to accompany the discussion. An audio replay and a transcript of the conversation will also be available online shortly after the panel concludes.

This session is being held during the IETF lunch break on Tuesday 10 November and light lunch will be provided.

Media wishing to attend the event in person should contact Greg Wood at wood@isoc.org.

About The Internet Society
The Internet Society (ISOC) is a non-profit organisation founded in 1992 to provide leadership in Internet related standards, education, and policy. It is dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution and use of the Internet for the benefit of people throughout the world. For more information, see: http://InternetSociety.org

ON-SITE CONTACT
Greg Wood, 703-439-2145, wood@isoc.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Matthew Clark, 202-728-8766, matthew.clark@fd.com