The 100x100 Project

The 100x100 Project: "Over the past 100 years, the telephone has grown from a rare communications device of the wealthy to a ubiquitous implement that has streamlined the processes of the economy. Similarly, the Internet began 30 years ago as a research network connecting a handful of research centers over extremely expensive long distance data lines. The past 10 years have established the value of data connectivity to the homes of average Americans, with 50% of homes now having a modem connection or better. Today, both economists and policy makers have recognized the economic importance of digital connectivity, and technologists are searching for viable ways to transition the Internet from a network of research centers to a ubiquitous service akin to the telephone.

This rebuild presents an emerging opportunity to create the first nationwide communications infrastructure designed from first principles to bring reliable and private Internet service to consumers and small businesses across the country. The 100x100 project, funded by the National Science Foundation's Information Technology Research program, is working to conduct the basic research and develop the blueprint designs that will guide decision-makers in the construction of a network that is dependable and secure; understandable to users and operators; and both economical and scalable."