Topic 'Re: This is actually really interesting' in forum ''

Topic 'Re: This is actually really interesting' in forum '' - dslreports.com http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462327 en Sat, 25 May 2013 12:38:44 EDT Sat, 25 May 2013 12:38:44 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24470108 Reading comprehension...?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24470108 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:46:26 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24468771 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24468771 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:54:40 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24466683 said by M A R S:

does any one have a link to what some like me on Long Island pays? I bet in the end its much more than 29.6%
I haven't seen anything broken down by state.

It's difficult to measure, and especially apply cross-culturally. For example, earlier in this thread "pnh" pointed out how ISPs pay a tax to cities for their use of easements and rights of way. That tax is passed on to the ISPs' customers.

So, if a country like Finland doesn't do that (instead paying for the administration of easements from the general fund), their tax rate looks higher than ours.

Same with healthcare. You pay for your private insurance premiums through a paycheck deduction (and co-pay at time of visit, and deductables each year). If a country like Finland has single-payer healthcare insurance coming out of the general fund, you can't really compare their total (real) tax rate without considering what we pay which isn't a precisely a tax.

It's not as clear as it might seem.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24466683 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:53:46 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24466670 said by amigo_boy:

said by tshirt:

The EU counsel puts Finland at TOTAL taxation 48.8% of GDP, and the comparitive measure for the US around 29.6 (2009 numbers for both) A long way apart.

I thought you were talking about what an individual would pay.

I think everyone knows we pay a lot more than 29.6% tax when income, sales, property and sin taxes are added together. It's only by adding corporate and capital gains taxes (with all the loopholes) that it goes back down to 29.6%.
interesting, does any one have a link to what some like me on Long Island pays? I bet in the end its much more than 29.6%
--
Democrats Have Guns Too..]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24466670 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:32:49 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24466464 said by baineschile:

You havent addressed the most important questions I allured to though. Do you have a choice when it comes to electricity, gas, or water?
Many PA residents now have a choice in electricity and natural gas suppliers (but not the owner of the utility wires or gas lines) and there is always bottled water.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24466464 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:25:57 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465487 said by tshirt:

The EU counsel puts Finland at TOTAL taxation 48.8% of GDP, and the comparitive measure for the US around 29.6 (2009 numbers for both) A long way apart.
I thought you were talking about what an individual would pay.

I think everyone knows we pay a lot more than 29.6% tax when income, sales, property and sin taxes are added together. It's only by adding corporate and capital gains taxes (with all the loopholes) that it goes back down to 29.6%.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465487 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:47:42 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465416 However if you think you'll be better off there, feel free to move.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465416 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:31:17 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465277
USA is only better for high-income individuals; for anyone with average-or-below, nordic socialist nations are a far better choice.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465277 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:12:49 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465337 This law only guaruntees 1 Mbps ACCESS/availability by 2015, doesn't say it needs to be low latentcy or cheap. (if you live 50 klicks for "1000 miles from nowhere" (Northing finland qualifies) AND you insist on your right of access, then satellites costs /latentcies/ and outages are reasonable. ) ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465337 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:12:17 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465241 said by tshirt:

said by birdfeedr:

Not counting satellite as broadband.

Why not? it meets the 1Mbps download requirement.
Broadband definition is very loose with no real consensus in industry or government as to what is or isn't broadband. It's still a moving target depending on who's talking.

Cost and technical limitations put satellite internet into the category of last ditch methods. There's a reason it isn't more widely adopted.

That said, a friend of mine on Block Island can't get any of the more common providers, and it appears his only option is satellite. Too far for DSL, his house has bad cell phone reception, and the Block Island cable company relinquished its license to operate (a couple of years ago I think), and I don't think they ever expanded beyond 40 channels of SD or into HSI.

Not counting satellite as broadband is a subjective opinion mostly based on the least feasible method I'd use.

So I should modify my statement. It's safe to say most people in RI can get non-satellite broadband.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465241 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:48:36 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465134 said by tshirt:

AND really don't forget the 49% tax burden!
My source says the average real tax in Finland is 46%. And, they have an extremely low level of wealth disparity compared to the US, whose real tax averages 40%.

The Gini-index part is interesting. The US has more in common with Mexico and China in terms of wealth disparity, which are both near 45. Canada is with all the other WASPie nations like Finland, Belgium, Germany.

And just a 6% real tax difference? Seems like we're getting shortchanged.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465134 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:15:24 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465110 said by birdfeedr:

There are still a few places in RI where some form of broadband is not readily available. FiOS isn't everywhere, DSL coverage is limited by distance, but cable goes most places. Granted, we don't have ubiquitous 100Mbps, but it's safe to say most people in RI can get broadband. Not counting satellite as broadband.

Why not? it meets the 1Mbps download requirement.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465110 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:07:11 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465097 said by Linklist:

said by RockCake:

said by Vamp9190:

*Sigh*
I always loved Finland. Reindeer, cross-country skiing, fjords, hot blondes in snowshoes, all that.
I wonder how much a flat in Helsinki costs....

Hot tubs, don't forget hot tubs! :)

And don't forget higher suicide rates due to all those dark winter days.
AND really don't forget the 49% tax burden!
Of course with you working 2 or more jobs to pay for the 350 Sq ft studio apt. and putting a decent meal on the table every week or 2, you'll hardly have time for the internet stuff, IF you can afford the "reasonable price" (this is only right of access, not free) after you pay your heating bill.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24465097 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:01:43 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463860
Good luck finding fjords in Finland, though.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463860 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:53:50 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24464330 said by Vamp9190:

*Sigh*

I always loved Finland. Reindeer, cross-country skiing, fjords, hot blondes in snowshoes, all that.

I wonder how much a flat in Helsinki costs....
let me know ill go half with you]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24464330 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:19:14 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24464305 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24464305 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:16:16 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24464237 said by Linklist:

And don't forget higher suicide rates due to all those dark winter days.
Not sure what makes Greenland different from Finland. Summer seems to be the suicide peak there (spike, actually). »neurocritic.blogspot.com/2009/05···est.html

One comment in that link says it could be different, since suicide rates before and after the 70s is more significant than seasonal variations. Something to do with mandatory settlements for Inuits.

From »herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514256042/html/ (emphasis added)

quote:
The seasonal variation of suicides is a well-documented phenomenon in the medical literature. In the late 1880s, Durkheim (1970) found that the incidence of suicide was at its highest during spring or early summer and at its lowest during winter. This finding has been confirmed in numerous subsequent studies both from Northern (see for example, Kevan 1980, Massing & Angermeyer 1985, Chew & McCleary 1995, Altamura et al. 1999) and Southern Hemisphere countries (see, for example, Parker & Walter 1982, Flisher et al. 1997).

Modern studies are looking into the seasonal variation of suicides and homicides. The Finnish website linked above goes into very academic detail. The abstract on the first page should be sufficient reading for most.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24464237 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:07:12 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463878 said by zitch:

Basically, treat the physical lines to each home as a utility; either the municipality or a regulated monopoly company will build and maintain these lines. Heck, treat the whole system as a giant local network, if you must. Then let users pick whatever company to be their "gateway" to the Internet.
I agree. We need a different model, where the "last mile" of infrastructure is treated like water, sewer, gas, electric. A city service, taxpayer-subsidized co-op, private company (like most gas and electric companies). Any of which governed by the state's corporation commission as a public utility to regulate expenses and rates.

Residents could then interconnect to a multitude of competing ISPs offering anything from bare-bones connectivity to teevee and telephone.

That still doesn't address how wireless service providers should be better regulated to operate in the public interest. They obtain a monopoly on finite public resources (airwaves). There's no way to demarcate access to that public resource like a city's "last mile." I think wireless providers should be treated as a public utility.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463878 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:47:10 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463591 said by baineschile:

said by sonicmerlin:

Finland is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. Your FUD is pathetic. This plan will provide broadband to nearly everyone in the country, not just those in the more densely populated portions in the south. The fact their economy is orders of magnitudes smaller than ours makes it even *more difficult* for them to conduct such a massive project.

Finland has 5.2 million people. Over a million live in the Helsinki area (about 20 square miles). Thats about 20% of the population. Can you name a city in the US that has 20% of the population?

Now, Finland is a reasonable large landmass, which accounts for your view of it being "sparsely" populated. But, population, for the most part, is concentric there.

The most sparsely populated state is Alaska, but 80% of the population live in the Juneau or Anchorage area. It just happens to be a very large state otherwise.

As for as your Australia/Google arguement, guess how that is being funded....you got it, taxpayer dollar! Some of it is subsidized by Google, but they get advertising rights along all pipes. I think its a great idea, but did you really think that neither doing it for the dollar. You cower behind government regulation, and call it consumer protection, but they are in the for the money just as any private corporation would be. It may not be ideal, but I dont stray from the truth for the sake of arguement.

Last I looked, the incumbants pay PEG and regulatory fees to the state and federal level, not the other way around.
the united states has a higher population density than finland so your point is invalid.
--
At first I thought everyone on the highway was drunk but then I realized I was driving in Florida ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463591 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:32:53 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463410
There's a good reason these are considered utilities and are run by regulated monopolies in an area. But we only have a physical limitation when it comes to broadband access. It is very possible to have multiple ISPs serve a neighborhood, even if there's only one physical line going to each house.

Let's put it this way: Do you have a choice of who builds and maintains the roads to your home? At the same time, are you limited to which company you can purchase vehicles to drive on this road?

Basically, treat the physical lines to each home as a utility; either the municipality or a regulated monopoly company will build and maintain these lines. Heck, treat the whole system as a giant local network, if you must. Then let users pick whatever company to be their "gateway" to the Internet. You monopolize the physical aspects of broadband access out of necessity, yet still allow consumer choice and fair competition for internet access. This is not possible to do with the current utilites (electricity, water, and gas).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463410 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:45:59 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463374 said by Linklist:

And don't forget higher suicide rates due to all those dark winter days.
I love the cold winter. Everything is dead and abiotic. Darkness is good on my eyes too.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463374 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:36:50 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463242 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463242 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:04:37 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463146 said by baineschile:

Finland has 5.2 million people. Over a million live in the Helsinki area (about 20 square miles). Thats about 20% of the population. Can you name a city in the US that has 20% of the population?yeah but the article didn't say only 20% will get 100 Mbps by 2015 it said 100%.

Rhode Island has over 1000 people per sq mile compared to Finland's 40. So why doesn't Rhode Island have 100 Mbps? why doesn't RI have 100% broadband availlability? Finland by the way is only slightly smaller than Montana. There are 38 states with higher population densities than Finland.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463146 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:43:29 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463103
Just because you don't agree with his post doesn't mean it's FUD. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24463103 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:34:44 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462969 said by RockCake:

said by Vamp9190:

*Sigh*
I always loved Finland. Reindeer, cross-country skiing, fjords, hot blondes in snowshoes, all that.
I wonder how much a flat in Helsinki costs....

Hot tubs, don't forget hot tubs! :)
And don't forget higher suicide rates due to all those dark winter days.
--
Are you happy with your rep in Washington, DC?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462969 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:13:07 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462928
"Would you rather have regulated monopoly or largely unregulated duopoly"

and it isn't clear that regulated monopoly would be worse. We would prefer, in an ideal world, to have robust competition with many choices, but wishing doesn't mean it is likely to ever be an american reality.
And no, there is no reason to believe that "getting the government out of it" is going to get us there either. That is a romantic dream with little supporting empirical evidence.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462928 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:06:54 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462899 quote:

Finland has 5.2 million people. Over a million live in the Helsinki area (about 20 square miles). Thats about 20% of the population. Can you name a city in the US that has 20% of the population?

What the *heck* are you talking about? Who in their right mind uses percentage of population as a metric of economic feasibility? What kind of stupid FUD is this?

quote:
Now, Finland is a reasonable large landmass, which accounts for your view of it being "sparsely" populated. But, population, for the most part, is concentric there.

The government's plan is to provide EVERYONE with 100 mbps by 2015. That requires fiber to every single household, regardless of where they live.

As for the "concentric" of people, the 1 million+ live in the Greater Helsinki Area, not the metropolitan area itself. The density of population in that area is still far less than most US states, and if you look at just the metropolitan area most major US cities have much higher population densities. So basically you're full of it.

quote:
Last I looked, the incumbants pay PEG and regulatory fees to the state and federal level, not the other way around.

How much money do you think ISPs would have to pay if they had to negotiate settlement fees with every landowner to use their property for line placement? That alone is an incredible subsidy. What about the government's enforcement of public spectrum allocation? Do you think wireless companies could by itself prevent people from illegally interfering in their licensed airwaves?

In addition, numerous states have outright bans on the buildout of municipal networks, while numerous others have extremely difficult to overcome regulatory hurdles. You don't think this provides ISPs with monetary advantages?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462899 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:58:01 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462858 said by Vamp9190:

*Sigh*

I always loved Finland. Reindeer, cross-country skiing, fjords, hot blondes in snowshoes, all that.

I wonder how much a flat in Helsinki costs....
I think the blonde's are actually Swedish :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462858 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:48:36 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462814 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462814 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:40:19 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462782 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462782 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:33:48 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462781 said by sonicmerlin:

Finland is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. Your FUD is pathetic. This plan will provide broadband to nearly everyone in the country, not just those in the more densely populated portions in the south. The fact their economy is orders of magnitudes smaller than ours makes it even *more difficult* for them to conduct such a massive project. Finland has 5.2 million people. Over a million live in the Helsinki area (about 20 square miles). Thats about 20% of the population. Can you name a city in the US that has 20% of the population?

Now, Finland is a reasonable large landmass, which accounts for your view of it being "sparsely" populated. But, population, for the most part, is concentric there.

The most sparsely populated state is Alaska, but 80% of the population live in the Juneau or Anchorage area. It just happens to be a very large state otherwise.

As for as your Australia/Google arguement, guess how that is being funded....you got it, taxpayer dollar! Some of it is subsidized by Google, but they get advertising rights along all pipes. I think its a great idea, but did you really think that neither doing it for the dollar. You cower behind government regulation, and call it consumer protection, but they are in the for the money just as any private corporation would be. It may not be ideal, but I dont stray from the truth for the sake of arguement.

Last I looked, the incumbants pay PEG and regulatory fees to the state and federal level, not the other way around.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462781 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:33:20 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462572 said by Vamp9190:

*Sigh*
I always loved Finland. Reindeer, cross-country skiing, fjords, hot blondes in snowshoes, all that.
I wonder how much a flat in Helsinki costs....
Hot tubs, don't forget hot tubs! :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462572 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:40:47 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462568 said by baineschile:

but would they only let one incumbant per area? I cant ever see the government going to private companies and saying "you have to spend a lot of capital wiring an area that you have deemed not profitable (or else is would have been wired already)It can be done through a regulated monopoly, guaranteeing profits. Think Ma Bell all over again.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462568 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:39:34 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462567 said by baineschile:

It would be REALLY interesting if this route was taken in the US. In all fairness though, Finland has 2% of the amount of people, and they are generally in more concentrated areas, so wiring issues and network congestion (yes, its real) isnt as much of a hurdle. The sheer volume of the US as far as geography and popluation makes the project exponentially harder.

If we did the same route in the US, it would essentially have to be backed by taxpayer dollars, but would they only let one incumbant per area?Finland is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. Your FUD is pathetic. This plan will provide broadband to nearly everyone in the country, not just those in the more densely populated portions in the south. The fact their economy is orders of magnitudes smaller than ours makes it even *more difficult* for them to conduct such a massive project.

And we don't even have a project to wire up our densely populated cities and suburbs, let alone the East Coast of the US.

quote:
I cant ever see the government going to private companies and saying "you have to spend a lot of capital wiring an area that you have deemed not profitable (or else is would have been wired already), or upgrade your equipment to increase speeds, plus we are going to allow 4 or 5 other ISPs in there to compete?"

Or maybe they'll do exactly what Australia's government and Google are planning to do? Build out an open infrastructure and let numerous ISPs compete over the services provided using that infrastructure. *GASP* did I just crack open your false dichotomy? Oh I'm sorry.

quote:
I am pro-consumer, but I always like to take the stance of "well, if I was ATT/Comcast/Timewarner how would this affect my company". Government force shouldnt be allowed.

You are most definitely not pro-consumer. For as long as I've been on this site, the majority of your views have been anti-consumer, pro-corporation, and completely unjustifiable when taking logic into account.

Government force is used to prevent mobs from taking pitchforks to the ISPs they hate. It's used to force people to let ISPs use "rights of ways" to lay their lines, to use public utility poles, to use public spectrum. The very idea that government force shouldn't be used to provide people with a service in an industry that is already massively subsidized by the government is bizarre and utterly disingenuous.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462567 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:39:33 EDT Re: This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462402
I always loved Finland. Reindeer, cross-country skiing, fjords, hot blondes in snowshoes, all that.

I wonder how much a flat in Helsinki costs....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462402 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:00:32 EDT This is actually really interesting http://www.dslreports.com/forum/This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462327
What I find exceedingly interesting about this article, is that its not a government subsidized program, its being reclassified as a utility. I am not sure about everyone else on this site, but I only have one choice for my gas, electric and water companies. It would be REALLY interesting if this route was taken in the US. In all fairness though, Finland has 2% of the amount of people, and they are generally in more concentrated areas, so wiring issues and network congestion (yes, its real) isnt as much of a hurdle. The sheer volume of the US as far as geography and popluation makes the project exponentially harder.

If we did the same route in the US, it would essentially have to be backed by taxpayer dollars, but would they only let one incumbant per area? I cant ever see the government going to private companies and saying "you have to spend a lot of capital wiring an area that you have deemed not profitable (or else is would have been wired already), or upgrade your equipment to increase speeds, plus we are going to allow 4 or 5 other ISPs in there to compete?"

I am pro-consumer, but I always like to take the stance of "well, if I was ATT/Comcast/Timewarner how would this affect my company". Government force shouldnt be allowed. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/This-is-actually-really-interesting-24462327 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:32:53 EDT