I have just posted a news item on our site in relation to the Broadcasting Bill 2008. This issue was brought to my attention and the attention of Fergal, IIA CEO, via various avenues so thanks to anyone who got in touch late last week.

The Broadcasting Bill 2008, if enacted as is, could create confusion and a possible loophole for an added tax on both consumers and business users of the internet. However, we hope to be corrected and that this is not the case! Please use the comments below to contribute. Check out our news item on the IIA site to get more details. We would like to ensure that those debating this issue are aware of this lack of clarity and clear it up now. I imagine the government would have a hard time justifying a licence fee on all devices capable of accessing the type of content described in the bill particularly considering the lack of availability of adequate broadband for many.

Also there is a lively discussion going on over on Mark Dennehy’s blog on this topic. You can also check out the Broadcasting Bill itself online. (PDF, 1.21mb)

Well if there’s one thing you can bank on our friends in the US of A it’s for an interesting turn of phrase. The IIA’s “acronymsake”, (that’s my really interesting turn of phrase!) the Internet Innovation Alliance, who are based in the US have been very concerned for some time now about the “exaflood”. As the video below puts it 1 exabyte of data if converted to DVD quality video would take 50,000 years to watch. Therefore the Internet Innovation Alliance predict that an exaflood is imminent. They are “a broad-based coalition of business and non-profit organizations committed to more widespread usage and availability of broadband through wise policy decisions”. Other statistics included in this video make a compelling case for ensuring your voice is heard in relation to the Irish Government’s plan for Next Generation Broadband. We are all very aware that internet trends and their impacts cannot be confined to one country and similar growth should be expected and prepared for in Ireland’s knowledge economy. So please leave your comments below or read the views of the IIA’s Physical Infrastructure Working Group as outlined by Keith Bohanna, Chair and add your comments there. Getting involved in consultation like this is as important an aspect of democracy as voting. And anyway it’s not possible that you are too busy outside enjoying the sun…

What is the exaflood? Internet Innovation Alliance on YouTube