Reason Foundation

Recent Research and Commentary

APR 2011: Universal Service, Spectrum Policy, Online Privacy and Internet Sales Taxes

May 1, 2012, 2:40pm

Steven Titch

Annual Privatization Report 2011

Privatization trends in local, state and federal government, plus roads, highways, aviation, education and telecom

May 1, 2012

Leonard Gilroy, Harris Kenny

Now in its 25th year of publication, Reason Foundation's Annual Privatization Report is the world's longest running and most comprehensive report on privatization news, developments and trends.

Annual Privatization Report 2011 (APR 2011) details the latest on privatization and government reform initiatives at all levels of government. The individual sections of APR 2011 include:

• Federal Privatization
• State Privatization
• Local Privatization
• Air Transportation
• Surface Transportation
• Education
• Telecommunications
• Corrections and Public Safety

The Year 2011 in IT Outsourcing, Network Neutrality, and Federal Broadband

Telecommunications Chapter of Annual Privatization Report 2011

May 1, 2012

Steven Titch

This section of Reason Foundation's Annual Privatization Report 2011 provides an overview of hot topics in technology outsourcing and telecommunications policy. Topics include:

• Technology has changed the economics of delivering universal broadband, and new issues have arisen as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeks to implement its $4.5 billion Connect America Fund (CAF).
• Policymakers continue to grapple with Internet sales tax collection, while states like California, New York, Michigan and Connecticut works to expand their definition of which firms are taxable under state laws.
• Varying definitions of privacy are impacting legislation at the federal and state level as officials seek additional authority over search, social networking and e-commerce sites.
• A radio spectrum shortage is pitting wireless companies against broadcasters, since increased sales of smartphones and wireless-compatible devices like the iPad are increasing the strain on wireless networks.
• The longer the FCC delays action on making more radio frequencies available to wireless providers, consumer should expect slower service, more dropped connections and higher latency on video and game content.

Sales Taxes Aren't Killing Best Buy

April 13, 2012, 3:52pm

Steven Titch

Brick-and-mortar retailing is facing an out-and-out crisis that's going to require creativity and innovation to solve. Forcing consumers to pay more for Amazon products isn't going to do much toward that end.

Maryland Passes Unprecedented (and Unnecessary?) Digital Labor Law

April 11, 2012, 6:33pm

Harris Kenny

Maryland legislators just passed an unprecedented digital labor law in Senate Bill 433. The bill would prevent employers from asking for passwords to websites such as Facebook and Twitter. While other states like California and Illinois are exploring similar legislation, Maryland appears likely to be the first to move. However despite its popularity, this legislation may not be necessary after all.

The Risks of Misapplied Privacy Regulation

April 3, 2012, 3:15pm

Steven Titch

Five reasons why Federal Trade Commission's proposals to regulate the collection and use of consumer information on the Web will do more harm than good.

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