rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO | reply to djrobx
Re: I know what ails the rural broadband market. said by djrobx:I can absolutely see the need to subsidize telephones. Why? Do we subsidize other utilities? |
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 batterupI Can Not Tell A Lie.Premium
join:2003-02-06
Netcong, NJ
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| said by rradina:said by djrobx:I can absolutely see the need to subsidize telephones. Why? Do we subsidize other utilities? Yes, electricity was the first.
»www.usda.gov/rus/electric/
The Bell System used to subsidise local service with long distance. Now the government taxes US to subsidise local service. |
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rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO | This sounds decidedly different from USF. USF is a subsidy to offset the apparent high cost of delivering communications to sparsely populated areas. The link you cited mentioned loans to fund the development of rural electric infrastructure. A loan is a lot different than the outright USF welfare program.
This following FAQ entry was also in the linked site and all I can say is RIGHT ON! If you want to live in the sticks and enjoy a modern convenience, be prepared to write a check!
Question: I want to build a house out in the country where I have bought some land, but the electric cooperative/utility wants to charge $20,000-$50,000 to get a line out to me. Does USDA Rural Development have a program to help pay for the connection?
Answer: The cost for connection to a home or business is an issue between the utility and the individual concerned. Working with neighbors and the utility concerned may be the best approach to resolving the connection problem. If it can be demonstrated to the utility that there is growth potential that will level out the fixed costs, the utility may be willing to share more of the initial outlay for connection.
Why is this different for phone and why don't we have the same response for high speed network connections?
What is the mindset of people that always want someone else to help them pay for their stuff? |
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