said by jcremin:Who the hell really gives the FCC or other Government entity ANY right to tell a privately owned ISP how to run their business?
Most ISP's in the U.S. inherit rights of way, and those incumbent rights of way preclude real competition. Our government has mandated a duopoly for most wired internet in the U.S. (cable and iLEC). Any company that may want to run wire to a home will be prevented from doing so by our governments (federal, state and local), the iLEC and cable company.
When a company wants to enjoy government enforced monopoly or duopoly status, some regulation / oversight comes with it. However, the regulation voted by the FCC today may be beyond their authority (litigation will decide) and is inherently very flawed (my own opinion).
I do agree, IF the rights of way were opened to anyone who wanted to string cable or fiber, subject only to the ability of the right of way to hold the cable or fiber, and if the iLEC and cable company were required to bid on a equal basis for access to the rights of way with other companies, that then, yes, the government shouldn't have much to say.
For better or worse, that will never happen. Our best hope is moderate regulation by government that encourages an open internet and reasonable rates to consumers.