rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO | Why not better regulated? Consumers want competition but can we/should we consider a duopoly as competition? If not, should we then treat broadband as a utility and regulate it?
Currently I don't even have a duopoly. I have cable HSI and no DSL/FTTH alternative. My subdivision is practically at the center of my metro-area's population and 20,000 feet from the CO. AT&T has not chosen to invest in this area (yet) even though my community has been heralded as having "U-Verse" (if you are close enough to the CO).
Even if AT&T invested, would I experience a true competitive environment? I tend to think that it would still not be competitive and some form of oversight should be engaged.
I certainly don't like BIG government but neither party stands for small government and when there is a monopoly (as is the case in my subdivision), there should be regulation.
I also believe we need to define what Internet access is. I understand that it may not work as an all-you-can-eat "buffet" and still have reasonable prices. However, I would rather then have a clear definition of service and honest costs rather than $3.99 all-you-can-eat where the selection of food slowly gets smaller and smaller until one day you find mashed potatoes as the only option. |
