I’ll leave clever humor comparing this blog’s name with the terminology for amphibious offspring to others, yet in one sense the comparison is appropriate. “PoliBlog” is very much a site in its infancy, and none of us here at Verizon is sure how it will evolve.  But evolve it will. 

The intent of PoliBlog is to present perspectives on issues of importance that intersect public policy, politics, markets, and business in the broadband world.  That’s a big pool to swim in, and it reflects the constantly changing world we live in.

As we begin, let’s acknowledge this: PoliBlog gives us the chance to listen to you and learn from you.  So we invite you to jump in.  The water’s fine. 

Before I get hit with a blogswarm, I want you to know that we understand that the blogosphere is naturally dubious of a blog with a corporate pedigree.  While this may seem a bit counterintuitive, PoliBlog is not intended as a “corporate” blog.  Instead, it is our effort to find a place in the universal town square.  We are players in the communications and broadband worlds.  What we do or don’t do has real impact.  So we think we should offer our perspectives and positions on issues and subject them to scrutiny, comment, and debate. It’s good for us.  And it’s healthy for the policymaking process.     

It’s my hope that PoliBlog will be most focused on the emerging issues that policy makers and consumers and businesses must start dealing with now to ensure the future of converged communications and broadband deployment.  Those issues include privacy and security, data rights management and intellectual property protection, and access to broadband networks.  And there are whole new perspectives and opportunities that the widespread deployment of broadband will bring to other important challenges facing our society, including the delivery of health care, education, and government services.  None of these topics are out of bounds on PoliBlog.

So there’s much to think about, and we’re looking forward to a lively discussion with you.