Broadband2.0 (via Wired) - and then: Content2.0 and Copyright2.0...?

Wired has a good feature on what they call, of course - but hopefully with some mocking intentions - Broadband2.0. As I have said many times before, we are just at the tip of the iceberg as far as SHARING of Content is concerned, and we will need an altogether different logic of copyright and understanding of 'content' monetization to deal with this. I shall pontificate further on this, in the future, but for now check out this short video.

Here are some high-lights from the WIRED feature, and my comments:

"Now two of the largest ISPs in the United States are hoping to kick off yet another broadband renaissance, this time with home connections that promise to reach 50-100 Mbps, enabling a slew of high-definition content, better-quality video-sharing sites and even 3-D video. Call it Broadband 2.0.  Experts say this increased bandwidth -- when it becomes widely available -- will have a profound effect on everything from our social interactions on the web to the way we consume media."

My comment: High definition is certainly the key to a meaningful content consumption (or shall I say 'content engagement') on the Net, in the long run. Forgot those lousy MP3 sounds and give me full CD quality - another 3-4 years and we'll have that, as well, imho - and I just can't wait.

"Mr. Waters says that first and foremost, we can expect everything to go high-definition: We'll download HD movies from Netflix, upload HD content to YouTube, and watch more sophisticated HD content on our televisions. The added bandwidth may even spur development of extra goodies, like stereoscopic 3-D video and high-fidelity audio. Believe me, the minute someone puts the pipes out there, people will find a way to use them," Waters says."

My comment: this is why Telecoms, ISPs and Wireless Operators must engage with Content NOW. It's time to leave the good old idea of the 'stupid pipe' behind and move onto the Service + Content Pipe concept. This, to me, means a concerted push for new content licenses and flat rates. The Internet is the new Broad[Narrow]Casting Platform, and it needs to be licensed accordingly. This is not at all an argument for ISP liability  - rather, in my view, the liability for monetizing this development rests with the Content Owners not with the Networks. Put up (i.e. license) or shut up - to speak frankly.

"If you put a 60 Mbps service out there, people are also going to want to have services associated with it. Yet no one is going to create those services unless the 60 Mbps is there," Water says. That hesitation may not last long, because consumers always find ways to use up whatever bandwidth is available -- and then some -- says Rudolf van der Berg, the author of a recent study on the future of fiber networks (.pdf)."

Content is now Context and Conversation, too - and therefore, and in this new definition only, is King, once again.

 

Check out my new book, Music2.0 here (includes paywhatyouwant PDF download)

or on Amazon.com

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