| reply to stevephl
Re: Will the data show regulation the way to go? This is pure socialist thinking dude.
How so? I admit there is a socialist bent in proposing some possible "federalization" of telecommunications systems, but furthering private-public partnership and creating an atmosphere in which private competition can thrive is not exactly socialist.
A standing army, law enforcement, education ... none of these things are in line with a "capitalist" framework. However, they are not only phenomena of socialisms and fascisms, but Democratic "capitalist" societies, too. There are so many examples of even the most hands-off governments in the world being involved with various affairs that calling any particular thing, other than wholesale nationalization of a specific industry, "socialist" doesn't tread water.
The reality is that we are expanding broadband, this is a very large country compared to other countries and the population densities varies to thousands an acre to 1 per couple hundred acres.
This is relatively true, but even countries of comparable size or comparable population density (a more relevant statistic) have spelled out initiatives and ambitious plans. Those that planned earlier have better penetration and (generally) more competitive environments. We are behind many countries, some with much more population density, some with relatively equivalent ones. However, without better vision, we will fall behind more comparable countries in short time.
There are going to be places left behind as not economically feasible part of life learn to deal with it.
Small government exists largely to ensure this is not the case when it comes to utilities. Utilities are PIVOTAL to growth and economic progress. If a municipality wants to continue to exist or wants to grow, it needs to ensure that important utilities are available in their borders. While this can drive debt in the short-term, it can attract new residents and businesses in the long-term. While not every municipality shares this view, there should be a way for those that do to pursue broadband, either in partnership with a private provider or on their own.
The government should not ever subsidize anything or utility.
Having studied and worked in the utility industry for about thirteen years, I can say your assertion is often correct, but like any ideological notion it does not always work. There are many examples of successful co-ops and locally run utility systems that, while perhaps no longer necessary, were pivotal in ensuring that everyday things we've come to expect like electricity and water were made available to everyone.
I consider myself a conservative and I generally agree that free markets are a good thing, but oversight is also an okay thing, and cooperation in the name of mutual interest is often the best. |
