Calling All Disruptors: How AI Policy is About to Reshape Telecom in the US

As the hype of AI continues to reach new heights I've started to get extra curious about how AI policy is going to impact the future of cities. The more I learn, the more I can see that the telecom industry is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI-powered cities.

AI has big plans for our cities. From self-driving cars to smart grids, AI is poised to transform the way we live, work and interact. But how does this all tie into the telecom industry? Well, imagine AI as a high-performance car and telecoms are the roads that make it all possible. Without a solid network infrastructure, AI's potential remains untapped.

But the big unknown is how will Uncle Sam play a role in how AI will shape the future of urban life. As your friendly neighborhood urban development policy wonk, I'm here to tell you one thing: the game is about to change. In the U.S., Uncle Sam is waking up to the power of AI, and guess what? Telecom companies are right in the crosshairs. The days of telecom operating in relative regulatory obscurity are over. As governments grapple with the implications of AI, telecom companies find themselves squarely in the policy spotlight. The stakes are high, and the future of the industry hinges on how these companies navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

At the center of it all will be data privacy dilemmas, infrastructure ownership, and of course a push for AI government innovation funding. Here are 3 key areas for governments like the U.S. to consider in shaping AI policy, especially for the role telecommunications will play in driving innovation and disruption:

• Data dilemmas: privacy vs. progress

• So, how will this impact the telecommunications industry?

• Will telecoms embrace the transparency train?

Let's face it, telecom companies are data czars. They hoard more information about our habits than a nosy neighbor with a telescope. This, of course, is the fuel that fires the AI engine. But here's the rub: governments are getting twitchy about all this personal data sloshing around. Stringent privacy laws are sure to be on the horizon.

Think stricter data collection rules, requiring explicit user consent for every gigabyte. Network slicing and hyper-targeted advertising might become a thing of the past (unless you want a revolution on your hands). But fear not, because with every challenge comes opportunity!

Telecom companies can win big by becoming champions of data transparency. Imagine building trust by giving users clear control over their information. Sounds crazy, right? Not if you want to be the Google of tomorrow.

The Infrastructure Revolution: AI for the Win

Here's the good news: AI can be a telecom's best friend when it comes to network optimization. We're talking about self-healing infrastructure, anticipating bottlenecks before they bring your weekend Netflix binge to a screeching halt.

Speaking of infrastructure, get ready for the "sharing economy" to hit the telecom world. Governments might nudge (or maybe shove) companies towards sharing infrastructure. This could be a game-changer, reducing costs and fostering innovation – but only if done right. However, we do need to see if telecom's will want to share and how the markets will take to this new sharing economy... will stock investors like it, or not?

But the ultimate question in the innovation playground will be, is government a friend or foe? AI policy can also be a launchpad for innovation. Imagine government funding for research into next-gen technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). Policies on this front could propel the US to the forefront of the technological arms race (cue dramatic music), so there is a lot at stake.

But here's the catch: overly restrictive regulations could stifle this progress faster than you can say "dial-up." We need a balance, a delicate dance between protecting citizens and unleashing the power of AI.

... in this game of disruption, the only constant is change. So, adapt, innovate, and disrupt – responsibly, of course.

The Takeaway: Stay Nimble, Telecom Titans

The message is clear: AI policy is coming, and it's going to reshape the telecom landscape. The key for telecommunications companies will be to be proactive, embrace transparency, and leverage AI for network optimization.

Remember, in this game of disruption, the only constant is change. So, adapt, innovate, and disrupt – responsibly, of course.

Building Better Cities: Key Innovations and Reforms from 1909-1913

As I delve into the discovery phase of my latest research project on major transportation trends during President Taft's presidency, I am rediscovering some fascinating facts.

These insights are taking me down a yellow brick road of political and transportation accomplishments from 1909 to 1913. While I knew the early 20th century was full of gems, I hadn't previously stopped to connect the dots and see how pivotal these four years have been for city life and the way we get around cities.

As I go down memory lane in my research, I am reminded of the many major changes that helped cities grow from 1909 to 1913 on both the political and transportation technology fronts: big business fair competition, women's rights, labor rights, the beginning of the automobile, the modern assembly...that's a lot!

President Taft broke up big companies to ensure fair competition, boosting local economies. The Sixteenth Amendment introduced income tax, providing money for city services and infrastructure. Women's right to vote and labor rights made cities more inclusive, allowing more people to be able to do things in the city, whether it was for work or general pleasure. The new Department of Labor protected and improved working conditions for workers, creating a more stable workforce. These reforms turned cities into thriving hubs of opportunity and growth.

On the transportation evolution front, there were some major technological advances "disrupting" the transportation space and creating new travel mode options for Americans. It was at this time that we began to see America's love affair with gas-powered cars and a shift away from trains. Gas-powered cars also emerged as favorites over electric vehicles. During Taft's presidency the Ford Motor Company opened its Highland Park Plant in 1910, and automakers adopted the moving assembly line in 1913.

Durham's Free Transit Initiative: Boosting Ridership

If you're in Durham, North Carolina, and haven't heard of their free transit initiative yet, you're living under a pretty big rock akin to Sisyphus' rock. The city launched a fare-free public transit initiative, and the impact has been nothing short of remarkable.

Whether you're commuting to work, heading to school, or just exploring the town, riding the bus is not only easy on your wallet—it’s also a step toward a more connected city.

More Riders, More Jobs

As we enter the second year of GoDurham's "fare-free" public transit program, ridership in Durham has seen a significant boost, and it's helping ridership numbers recover after the significant decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It's not just about saving money—although that's always a plus—but also about creating more equitable access to jobs and other opportunities. By removing the cost barrier, more people can get to work, school, and other essential services. This is especially critical for those who don't own a car or can't afford the rising costs of gas and maintenance.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of increased public transit use is another reason Durham's initiative is turning heads. More people on buses means fewer cars on the road, which eventually translates to reduced traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions as more people consider getting out of their cars and riding public transit.

The Federal Connection

Durham's free transit initiative wouldn't be possible without strong federal support. The city has been able to secure a series of federal grants, thanks in no small part to its close relationship with the U.S. Department of Transportation. At Durham's recent State of the City address, Mayor Leo Williams casually dropped that he is on texting basis with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Good move Mayor Williams! We need all the resourcefulness we can get when trying to increase access to public transit.

A Long-Term Sustainability Question

While the fare-free public transit program has made a splash, the question on my mind is: how sustainable is it? Funding from federal grants can only go so far, and maintaining a program of this scale requires consistent financial support. The challenge for Durham is to find a way to keep the initiative going without sacrificing service quality or overburdening taxpayers. This uncertainty makes long-term planning complex, but the city is committed to exploring creative solutions.

Durham's fare-free public transit initiative is a bold move, but whether it's financially sustainable in the long run is still up in the air. The program has shown that it can boost ridership and reduce carbon emissions, but long-term viability depends on finding stable funding sources. As the city navigates these challenges, the rest of us can sit back, relax, and enjoy the free ride while it lasts.