When we talk about how the opportunity for "grass roots" media use do we need to be more specific about what is possible? Doesn’t "grass roots" mean more than personal media makers? Doesn’t it imply collective action? We need more than media in the hands of thousands of people. Where is the mobilizing spark? How do we flick the Bic (lighter) and light the fire for colelctive ation and social change?

The intersection of technology and capitalism is the primary reason that we will continue have to work uphill to protect open access and free speech no matter what technology we are talking about. Indeed, we must remain vigilant. It is not the companies who created a new set of policies (1996 Telecom Act) that threatens access and open source -- it is CONGRESS. And we have to fight first against the undue influence telecomm companies have over Congress through CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS. What do we have in response? PEOPLE POWER. So sure, we need though leaders, but we need to MOBILIZE PEOPLE POWER in defense of our consitutional rights in the "information age".

Jim, Given your focus on international access in communities where there is no current service, why should US communities that are ALREADY CONNECTED BY COMMERCIAL PROVIDERS care about building their own public wireless broadband services?

After 22 years in the world of free speech, public access TV and community media, it is fantastic to advance the discussion about how to make sure media and communications serves the public interest. Our tool kits used to include video cameras, cable TV channels and computer terminals. Today, the challenge is sorting through all of the possibilities of web 2.0 and beyond. But the bedrock of all this electronic networking is HUMAN network building and I am looking forward to beginning and continuing relationships with many of you during the net squared experience. All of the projects we operate in Burlington Vermont (government access channel, community technology center and video production unit) are built on the essential ADVOCACY work necessary to keep networks open and access available.

Welcome to our panel on using wireless broadband to connect our communities. If you are ready to declare your telecommunications independence, come and find out how to move beyond coffeehouse connectivity. Most of us complain about the poor service and high prices of the phone and cable companies. We believe that there is no real competition or alternative. The good news is: IT IS POSSIBLE to bypass the major telecommunications companies that now control both networks and content. We CAN work in our communities to set up wireless networks that are connected by national, publicly owned networks.