republican-creole
Search:  

 
theme to white backgroundlet page decide theme
HomeFind ServiceReviewsISP NewsFAQsForumsToolsDatabaseAbout 
 
   News
newer
story category Cable Opens Up
Ruling sends shivers through cable industry
(old news - 03:12PM Tuesday Oct 07 2003)
tags: legal · competition · cable
Tipped by Karl Bode See Profile
The decision to overturn the FCC's cable deregulation agenda by a federal appeals court sends ripples through the broadband industry. -

The 2002 decision to classify cable broadband as an "information service" (as opposed to a "telecommunications service") freed cable providers from much of the regulation facing the telcos. The bells have naturally grown progressively more active on this front, pushing for a "level playing field" both by urging deregulation of themselves as well as pushing for greater cable regulatory control.

Bell lawyers argue the classification has them as the primary contributors to the Universal Service Fund, though whether or not this program is essentially a poorly designed slush fund for the telcos is hotly disputed. The classification also exempts cable providers from sharing their networks with competitors (though Time Warner must as a concession to its merger with AOL), something that's long been a thorn in the side of the bell profit machinery.

The FCC hasn't been entirely docile in the debate to better balance cable and bell regulation, quietly considering a 9.1% cable tax, buried in a February proposal, as one of their options. The success of such a measure is questionable, since those hikes would likely find their way to consumers' already bloated monthly cable bill. The FCC has also tinkered with the idea of classifying telco broadband as an "information service" itself.

The deregulated cable environment is to some degree responsible for cable's significant lead over DSL in the states; whereas in a growing number of countries DSL dominates the broadband landscape.

With cable (for now) open to competition, that deployment lead, also facing DSL price reductions, could quickly dwindle. However, increased consumer choice could drive cable costs down and push adoption even further ahead as customers are drawn in by the potential looming intra-cable price-war. There's a spider's web of possible ramifications to the ruling that industry insiders are currently pontificating on.

This ruling is certainly being heralded as a win for consumers; Chris Murray of the Consumers Union opines: "Many consumers hate their cable companies' privacy policies and their failure to deal with spam effectively. Giving consumers a choice of Internet service providers would open the door to more competition, and let people choose services with better privacy and less spam."

David Baker, VP for legal and regulatory affairs at EarthLink calls the ruling "a big victory for consumers," noting that "The practical result of this decision is that cable broadband will be required to offer us and any other ISP the ability to offer broadband to their customers."

The CEO of Insight Communications is closer to the mark, noting that "this is a very early inning in a very long game." The ruling does signify some trouble for Michael Powell and his deregulation agenda, the FCC chief saying the decision throws "a monkey wrench into the FCC's efforts to develop a vitally important national broadband policy."

The FCC will likely look for a stay on the order while they prepare to appeal, so while the cable industry is currently obligated to share their networks, the champagne should probably remain chilled in the wings for the time being.

A pdf copy of the ruling is available here; there's also informative Q&A sessions with the Washington Post's FCC beat reporter, Christopher Stern, and the Consumer Federation of America's Mark Cooper for those interested.

Related:
  1. Real Consumer Group Takes Aim At Fake Ones
  2. Pittsburgh, Verizon Haggling Over FiOS
  3. Connected Nation Bails On Kentucky
  4. Comcast 'Honors' FCC Authority On Neutrality
  5. What Network Neutrality Is REALLY About
  6. Cable Industry: Shucks, Guess Nobody Wants CableCARDs
  7. A La Carte Cable Antitrust Suit Dismissed
  8. Charter Still Fighting With Creditors
Forums » Cable Opens Up
view: topics flat text 
Post a:

DaBoxx
Winnie Da Pooh

join:2003-09-14
Calgary, AB

This would be an awesome thang!

This is exactly what the broadband industry needs. being a cable subcriber myself this would open up a lot of doors of oporunity for me to save my almighty dollars, what little of them i have. hopefully we can get it to apply not just to da states but to canada too, as dat is my current place of rez.

oh and Woohoo first post!! lol!!

James
--
Love Life? Get Linux!!
[text was edited by author 2003-10-07 14:37:37]
permalink · 2003-10-07 14:36:02 · Reply to this

Sarick
It's Only Logical
Premium
join:2003-06-03
USA
·FrontierNet Intern..

Re: This would be an awesome thang!

Yea it would be. but cable providers would have to deal with limits of the other cables backbone to be effective..

Lets say your on a timewarner cable infostructer and alephia comes in with 2-3 customers. Your network is setup for 2-3/386Mbps and Adliphia has a 4/512 setup. If a few of these people move over to Adlphia then your bandwidth on the network will be oversold. TW would need as massive overhaul. Then again TW could charge MASSIVE fees for using their cable with your ISP.
permalink · 2003-10-08 07:02:04 · Reply to this
vic102482
Premium
join:2002-04-30
Upper Marlboro, MD

Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

They have been calling and complaining that Satellite TV users dont have to pay county and state taxes for tearing up roads, so its only fitting that CABLE should have to pay more, and lose to line sharers just like the telecom industry.
--
I tie a rope around my penis and jump from a tree, don't you wanna grow up to be just like me!!!!
permalink · 2003-10-07 14:43:39 · Reply to this

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD
·Comcast

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by vic102482 See Profile:
its only fitting that CABLE should have to pay more, and lose to line sharers just like the telecom industry.
If you want to pay more per month for cable that's fine. I'd prefer not to, and I certainly think a USF charge for cable is outrageous... this is for glorified TV service, why should people be getting that as a freebie?!

As for the ruling, I am not worried at all, this is the 9th Circus Court of Appeals after all... so the ruling will be overturned in due course.
--
The tobacco industry is more respectable than the telemarketing industry.
permalink · 2003-10-07 14:48:35 · Print · Reply to this
vic102482
Premium
join:2002-04-30
Upper Marlboro, MD

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by pnh102 See Profile:
said by vic102482 See Profile:
its only fitting that CABLE should have to pay more, and lose to line sharers just like the telecom industry.
If you want to pay more per month for cable that's fine. I'd prefer not to, and I certainly think a USF charge for cable is outrageous... this is for glorified TV service, why should people be getting that as a freebie?!

As for the ruling, I am not worried at all, this is the 9th Circus Court of Appeals after all... so the ruling will be overturned in due course.
So why shouldnt cable internet suscribers have to pay the same fees as DSL suscribers? Thats like not having to pay a certain tax for roads beacuse you ride a motorcycle.

Both have right of way, and both tear up city streets and both connect to the internet.
--
I tie a rope around my penis and jump from a tree, don't you wanna grow up to be just like me!!!!
permalink · 2003-10-07 15:12:37 · Print · Reply to this

Phoenix2088

join:2002-12-04
Strongsville, OH
clubs:
·WOW Internet and C..

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by vic102482 See Profile:
said by pnh102 See Profile:
said by vic102482 See Profile:
its only fitting that CABLE should have to pay more, and lose to line sharers just like the telecom industry.
If you want to pay more per month for cable that's fine. I'd prefer not to, and I certainly think a USF charge for cable is outrageous... this is for glorified TV service, why should people be getting that as a freebie?!

As for the ruling, I am not worried at all, this is the 9th Circus Court of Appeals after all... so the ruling will be overturned in due course.
So why shouldnt cable internet suscribers have to pay the same fees as DSL suscribers? Thats like not having to pay a certain tax for roads beacuse you ride a motorcycle.

Both have right of way, and both tear up city streets and both connect to the internet.
Cable is more like a McLaren F1 and DSL is like a Chevy Cavalier, lol.
permalink · 2003-10-07 15:27:41 · Print · Reply to this

rideboarder
welcome to the social
Premium
join:2003-07-28
Snohomish, WA
clubs:

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by Phoenix2088 See Profile:
said by vic102482 See Profile:
said by pnh102 See Profile:
said by vic102482 See Profile:
its only fitting that CABLE should have to pay more, and lose to line sharers just like the telecom industry.
If you want to pay more per month for cable that's fine. I'd prefer not to, and I certainly think a USF charge for cable is outrageous... this is for glorified TV service, why should people be getting that as a freebie?!

As for the ruling, I am not worried at all, this is the 9th Circus Court of Appeals after all... so the ruling will be overturned in due course.
So why shouldnt cable internet suscribers have to pay the same fees as DSL suscribers? Thats like not having to pay a certain tax for roads beacuse you ride a motorcycle.

Both have right of way, and both tear up city streets and both connect to the internet.
Cable is more like a McLaren F1 and DSL is like a Chevy Cavalier, lol.
uh no
permalink · 2003-10-07 15:37:11 · Print · Reply to this
jimraelee

join:2003-03-19
Gresham, OR

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

what gets me is that cable seems to be more expensive now ( i pay $45pr mo) then dsl ( going rate is $35) and cable is exempt from certain taxes.. Well i have cable and dont want the price to go up anymore, im sure cable will pass it along to the user, but fair is fair.... both services provide www access just different forms both should pay same tax.Cars and trucks both use highway to get around and both pay same gasoline tax.

Also didnt realize that the USF charge is for developing telepone on poor areas... nice to see i can help out others in life. I wonder if thats where my x-wife gets money from when they shut off her phone and suddenly she gets it back on...
permalink · 2003-10-07 16:09:53 · Print · Reply to this

oliphant5
Got Identity?
Premium
join:2003-05-24
Corona, CA

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

quote:
just different forms
This is the problem. The tax is on the FORM, not what goes over it. There are no xDSL taxes. There are no cable HSI taxes.

There are taxes on cable video (franchise fees) and the telephone LINE.
--
-- Munis Killed the Telco Star -- Powered by Barry McKockenner Racing in association with Jack Mikkokov Motorsports
permalink · 2003-10-07 16:12:45 · Reply to this

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD
·Comcast
said by jimraelee See Profile:
what gets me is that cable seems to be more expensive now ( i pay $45pr mo) then dsl ( going rate is $35)
Is it? I don't think its a fair comparison because all DSL providers require you to have a landline phone, which tacks on $15-$25 to the price of DSL. I would say the price of cable modem is comparable to DSL if you compare the price of the cable modem without the optional cable TV service along side the price of DSL with mandatory phone service.
--
The tobacco industry is more respectable than the telemarketing industry.
permalink · 2003-10-07 16:16:38 · Print · Reply to this
jimraelee

join:2003-03-19
Gresham, OR

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

cable goes up without the cable tv service... and in our area modems are included for like $5 pr month... and the mandatory telephone line... I dont consider that much becaue we all have phone lines.. and cable carriers our here require a phone line to update your movie downloads and on screen bill service... is cable realy that much faster than dsl... seems when my neighbors get online at night i see my speed drop... no much fun
permalink · 2003-10-07 16:24:07 · Reply to this

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD
·Comcast

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by jimraelee See Profile:
cable goes up without the cable tv service... and in our area modems are included for like $5 pr month...
That's exactly my point... In my area, a cable modem without the cable TV service is $60 a month. DSL ($30-$50 a month) + the phone line ($15-$25 a month) comes out to $45 to $75 a month. That's what I meant when the prices are comparable. Price, of course, is not the only determining factor.
said by jimraelee See Profile:
and the mandatory telephone line... I dont consider that much becaue we all have phone lines..
Not everyone does anymore. If the telegraph company wanted me to switch to DSL (which probably isn't available here anyway), then they would have to not charge me extra money for a phone line I would not use.
--
The tobacco industry is more respectable than the telemarketing industry.
permalink · 2003-10-07 16:32:24 · Print · Reply to this

tlg
Premium
join:2001-08-23
Melbourne, FL
said by jimraelee See Profile:
I dont consider that much becaue we all have phone lines..
Um.... No we don't, I have a broadband connection with VOIP (Vonage). Bellsouth has been banished from my rez.

TG
permalink · 2003-10-07 19:37:34 · Reply to this

oliphant5
Got Identity?
Premium
join:2003-05-24
Corona, CA

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by tlg See Profile:
said by jimraelee See Profile:
I dont consider that much becaue we all have phone lines..
Um.... No we don't, I have a broadband connection with VOIP (Vonage). Bellsouth has been banished from my rez.

TG
Ditto.
--
-- Munis Killed the Telco Star -- Powered by Barry McKockenner Racing in association with Jack Mikkokov Motorsports
permalink · 2003-10-07 20:22:39 · Print · Reply to this
magdan

join:2002-04-04
Camp Hill, PA		 I do not have a landline phone. I work for a wireless telephone company and jsut use wireless. I had earthlink dsl thru covad. The line into my home was used to provide service, but there was no dial tone on it, and I had no Verizon bill to pay.
permalink · 2003-10-08 02:18:05 · Reply to this

Sarick
It's Only Logical
Premium
join:2003-06-03
USA
·FrontierNet Intern..

 You pay $45 for Cable

Wow lucky you. In my loccatiob I Pay $49 a month for PPPoA 1120/128..

Thats without the $30 for Phone Line tax and the phone line it's self.

$75 for Phone + DSL vs $100 basic Cable and Cable Internet..

Oh I also have 2 phone lines and for each line I pay for the TAXES.

75+50 About PER MONTH $125 telco charges..

Your complaining about your 3-4meg / 128-512 PPPoE Transfer?

I'm lucky to get 56K where I live. Even with dregulation I can't get access to other Internet providers.
permalink · 2003-10-08 06:52:47 · Print · Reply to this
kr33p

join:2002-08-08
Spring, TX		 speak for yourself, i pay $70/mo for cable (1.5/128). I would looooove to see competition bring it down to $45.
permalink · 2003-10-08 12:44:40 · Reply to this

Sarick
It's Only Logical
Premium
join:2003-06-03
USA

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

If you put it that way. Your paying for your cable TV..

I didn't add the cost of the Phone line. put them together and your looking about the same price.
permalink · 2003-10-08 14:34:02 · Reply to this

Time
Premium
join:2003-07-05
·Dish Network
·Cox HSI
·Embarq
said by rideboarder See Profile:
said by Phoenix2088 See Profile:
said by vic102482 See Profile:
said by pnh102 See Profile:
said by vic102482 See Profile:
its only fitting that CABLE should have to pay more, and lose to line sharers just like the telecom industry.
If you want to pay more per month for cable that's fine. I'd prefer not to, and I certainly think a USF charge for cable is outrageous... this is for glorified TV service, why should people be getting that as a freebie?!

As for the ruling, I am not worried at all, this is the 9th Circus Court of Appeals after all... so the ruling will be overturned in due course.
So why shouldnt cable internet suscribers have to pay the same fees as DSL suscribers? Thats like not having to pay a certain tax for roads beacuse you ride a motorcycle.

Both have right of way, and both tear up city streets and both connect to the internet.
Cable is more like a McLaren F1 and DSL is like a Chevy Cavalier, lol.
uh no
He does have a point. I am one of the lucky ones to live close enough to my CO to get 6 mbps ADSL, which, if I'm not correct, is the fastest DSL in the US. Meanwhile, cable is up to 10 mbps with OOL.
--
Freedom is not thought upon until it is gone
permalink · 2003-10-07 21:37:36 · Print · Reply to this

Bumpin1ohm
Bumpin1ohm
Premium
join:2002-07-15
Aurora, CO
clubs:
said by rideboarder See Profile:
said by Phoenix2088 See Profile:
said by vic102482 See Profile:
said by pnh102 See Profile:
said by vic102482 See Profile:
its only fitting that CABLE should have to pay more, and lose to line sharers just like the telecom industry.
If you want to pay more per month for cable that's fine. I'd prefer not to, and I certainly think a USF charge for cable is outrageous... this is for glorified TV service, why should people be getting that as a freebie?!

As for the ruling, I am not worried at all, this is the 9th Circus Court of Appeals after all... so the ruling will be overturned in due course.
So why shouldnt cable internet suscribers have to pay the same fees as DSL suscribers? Thats like not having to pay a certain tax for roads beacuse you ride a motorcycle.

Both have right of way, and both tear up city streets and both connect to the internet.
Cable is more like a McLaren F1 and DSL is like a Chevy Cavalier, lol.
uh no
he is right, cable is like a ml f1... drive it around the block once, and you cant drive it again for the rest of the month, on the other hand, dsl (cavalier) you can drive around to your hearts content
--
1536x768 || $44.95 || Cisco Modem/Router || 5 Static IPs || 5 Pop3/webmail Email Accounts || Usenet Access || No Bandwidth limitations or Blocked ports
permalink · 2003-10-07 23:47:24 · Print · Reply to this

dslsynch

join:2003-05-22

 please spare me. how do cable modem user like the linespeed
when all the other users on the node use up the bandwidth? then your turbo f1 is crawling along at yugo/56K speeds. cable modems are good if your on a node that's not oversubscribed/overused.

i would like to see adelphia forced to drop it's rates due to competition. can you say $47.79/month for basic catv. no tv set top box; just the coax straight into the tv... 65 channels. can't say about other cableco's but do you remember the riga family and the $$$$$millions$$$$$$ they 'stole' from their own company... what a band of theives. they are not popular in this area and are the only game in town. please, bring in the competition; give us a choice.
permalink · 2003-10-07 22:51:26 · Print · Reply to this

Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs:
said by Phoenix2088 See Profile:
Cable is more like a McLaren F1 and DSL is like a Chevy Cavalier, lol.
Not even close. The fact is that cable is a Bus that lumbers along and DSL is a sleek fast motorcycle.
permalink · 2003-10-08 02:28:48 · Reply to this

TomCat656
Thundercats, Ho

join:2003-02-17
Broken Arrow, OK
clubs:

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by Doctor Olds See Profile:
The fact is that cable is a Bus that lumbers along and DSL is a sleek fast motorcycle.
Huh?? What kinda crack have you been smoking? ADSL will never catch cable in the speed race. As DSL gets faster, so does cable. I think you have your comment backwards...
permalink · 2003-10-09 10:38:08 · Reply to this

Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs:

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

Cable internet is what I smoked on my DSL. LOL I have had both and will never go back to cable. Have you had both? If not, you can't compare the two, can you? Nope.
permalink · 2003-10-09 18:32:22 · Reply to this

oliphant5
Got Identity?
Premium
join:2003-05-24
Corona, CA

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

I HAVE both (VOL and Comcast)...and for me, DSL sucks.
permalink · 2003-10-09 18:33:50 · Reply to this

Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs:

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

VOL = explains that reason.
permalink · 2003-10-09 18:35:21 · Reply to this

oliphant5
Got Identity?
Premium
join:2003-05-24
Corona, CA

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

Sure, and the Sun rises in the east. Proponents of DSL can produce many excuses as to why "MY" xDSL connection sucks...but it doesn't change the fact that "MY" xDSL connection sucks. The fact that it's Verizon doesn't change anything. My friends locally who are serviced by Pacbell bitch about their connections too, especially when compared to our local cable providers offering far superior speeds, better latency and better reliability.

There is NO such thing as the "best" connection. Every franchise is different, no matter if it's DSL or cable. In your area, sure, cable may suck, but in mine, I get consistent latency in the teens and I'm always able to reach my 3.8Mb caps while my so-called 1.5Mb DSL service hyperventilates at around .5 Mb.
--
-- Munis Killed the Telco Star -- Powered by Barry McKockenner Racing in association with Jack Mikkokov Motorsports
permalink · 2003-10-09 18:52:33 · Print · Reply to this

TomCat656
Thundercats, Ho

join:2003-02-17
Broken Arrow, OK
clubs:
said by Doctor Olds See Profile:
Cable internet is what I smoked on my DSL. LOL I have had both and will never go back to cable. Have you had both? If not, you can't compare the two, can you? Nope.
Well, maybe for you. Evidently you live in an area where cable internet is not as good as DSL. Also remember that when going to cable internet, you need to "tweak" your machine(s) for broadband, but you sound like an intelligent individual, based on the type of replies you have so I am going to assume you are quite literate on that.
As for me I have not had DSL, you are correct about that but I HAVE played on machines that are on DSL, lots of times and I can tell you that cable rules over DSL in the area that I live in. But, you ARE entitled to your opinions as well as I. From what I have seen and witnessed, DSL will never be in my future, and the folks that were on DSL are now on cable internet and loving every minute of it. No more trouble that DSL gave them.
permalink · 2003-10-09 19:11:33 · Print · Reply to this

Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs:

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by TomCat656 See Profile:
said by Doctor Olds See Profile:
Cable internet is what I smoked on my DSL. LOL I have had both and will never go back to cable. Have you had both? If not, you can't compare the two, can you? Nope.
Smiley thief!!!
permalink · 2003-10-09 19:26:17 · Print · Reply to this

oliphant5
Got Identity?
Premium
join:2003-05-24
Corona, CA

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

Angry
permalink · 2003-10-09 19:33:46 · Reply to this

Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs:

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

Happy.
permalink · 2003-10-09 23:45:52 · Reply to this

TomCat656
Thundercats, Ho

join:2003-02-17
Broken Arrow, OK
clubs:
said by Doctor Olds See Profile:
said by TomCat656 See Profile:
said by Doctor Olds See Profile:
Cable internet is what I smoked on my DSL. LOL I have had both and will never go back to cable. Have you had both? If not, you can't compare the two, can you? Nope.
Smiley thief!!!
Oh yeah?!? Wasn't aware of any copyrights on smileys my friend...
--
"A small leak can sink a great ship." -Benjamin Franklin
permalink · 2003-10-10 01:23:12 · Print · Reply to this

Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs:

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

It's the newly formed RIAA for gif animations resulting in smileys.
permalink · 2003-10-10 22:46:27 · Reply to this

laura
Domestic Bliss
Premium
join:2002-04-16
San Jose, CA
said by TomCat656 See Profile:
said by Doctor Olds See Profile:
Cable internet is what I smoked on my DSL. LOL I have had both and will never go back to cable. Have you had both? If not, you can't compare the two, can you? Nope.
Well, maybe for you. Evidently you live in an area where cable internet is not as good as DSL. Also remember that when going to cable internet, you need to "tweak" your machine(s) for broadband, but you sound like an intelligent individual, based on the type of replies you have so I am going to assume you are quite literate on that.
As for me I have not had DSL, you are correct about that but I HAVE played on machines that are on DSL, lots of times and I can tell you that cable rules over DSL in the area that I live in. But, you ARE entitled to your opinions as well as I. From what I have seen and witnessed, DSL will never be in my future, and the folks that were on DSL are now on cable internet and loving every minute of it. No more trouble that DSL gave them.
I agree, its all a matter of where you live and your opinion. I had DSL and had problems with it. Cable also seemed to be faster where i live, so cable is what I go with now.
--
bluepapaya.net - my ride
permalink · 2003-10-10 23:28:23 · Print · Reply to this
mrs213

join:2002-05-25
Pittsburgh, PA		 Any post with 'LOL' in it immediately loses credibility.

Cable is only a McLaren when nobody else using it. Get your 3Mbps downstream on peak hours. Oh, right, YOU CAN'T.
permalink · 2003-10-08 08:40:25 · Reply to this

oliphant5
Got Identity?
Premium
join:2003-05-24
Corona, CA

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by mrs213 See Profile:
Any post with 'LOL' in it immediately loses credibility.

Cable is only a McLaren when nobody else using it. Get your 3Mbps downstream on peak hours. Oh, right, YOU CAN'T.
Oh boy...another drone buying the telco lies about cable. I get my 3.8Mb caps 24-7. Meanwhile I get 500kbps at best with my wonderful 1.5Mb VOL.
--
-- Munis Killed the Telco Star -- Powered by Barry McKockenner Racing in association with Jack Mikkokov Motorsports
permalink · 2003-10-08 09:50:58 · Print · Reply to this
jimraelee

join:2003-03-19
Gresham, OR		 here here on the cable is only a McLaren when nobodys home.. all day long on my off days i surf the net and get good speed... about 5pm-7pm my line speed drops drastically.. I get the best speed at 5am before i go to work...
permalink · 2003-10-08 14:50:37 · Reply to this

TomCat656
Thundercats, Ho

join:2003-02-17
Broken Arrow, OK
clubs:
said by mrs213 See Profile:
Any post with 'LOL' in it immediately loses credibility.

Cable is only a McLaren when nobody else using it. Get your 3Mbps downstream on peak hours. Oh, right, YOU CAN'T.
I don't know what poor HSI service you are on, but I constantly get 3mps down and 256kbs upstream on peak AND offpeak hours. And my node is 94% saturated...You must live in an older cable plant where there are 2000 folks on a node...
permalink · 2003-10-09 09:51:42 · Print · Reply to this

dslsynch

join:2003-05-22

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

the slow node is probably wired on rg-59 coax where it splits off fiber or rg-6; nowadays it should be rg-6 if not all fiber. someone who is on a highly saturated node and getting good, reliable linespeeds has a big pipe (rg-6 or fiber) for node infrastructure. it's amazing how many cableco's still have not completed upgrading their nodes.
but what the heck do i know? i'm just a dumb former(laidoff) verizon dsl tech turned clec dsl tech.
permalink · 2003-10-12 16:14:28 · Reply to this
rahvin112

join:2002-05-24
Sandy, UT

 The "Taxes" being debated here aren't real taxes. They are discussing the USF, this fee isn't paid to any government but is a direct slush fund for the ILECs to support the deployment of telephone service to unprofitable regions.

Telephone service is by it's nature a critical service because it provides quick access to emergency medical assistance, cable TV or internet access fulfills no such emergency need nor is there a need for universal deployment of Hispeed internet.

Because of this the FCC decision IS correct and the court is WRONG. Universal access to the cable lines will only serve to increase costs to the cable company and as a result make everything MORE expensive.

The FCC has been pushing the deployment of 2 to 3 major broadband providers in every market. This strategy is focused around Cable, ILEC's and Wireless/BPL. By having large companies like Cable and ILEC's providing similar service in the same market TRUE competition will exist and prices will serve the consumer (witness Verizon's price drops). The intent is that each Major internet provider then moves into each others monopoly market, ie the Telco's begin selling TV and the Cable companies being selling telephone and then every market in the US with a cable company then has at a minimum two providers of phone, data and TV.

The ILEC's are fighting this tooth and nail. In reality they do have a point, DSL should not be susceptible to USF fees, but again the ILECs supported that because it's gravy slush money for them. Now they want the cable companies to charge their customers USF fees and probably at the same time will demand that THEY get the money instead of the cable company.

There should be no USF on data transmissions. There should never be a Universal data line guarantee.
permalink · 2003-10-07 15:31:27 · Print · Reply to this

See 10 replies to this post

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD
·Comcast
said by vic102482 See Profile:
Both have right of way, and both tear up city streets and both connect to the internet.
Both already pay franchise fees to cover those costs. Things like USF and other slush-fund BS should not apply to cable because its more of a luxury item than a phone, which some say is "life-critical" (I don't agree with that sentiment... if you want a phone, get a job that pays you enough to have one and buy it) and needs more reliability and wider distribution. Put more simply, no one ever died because their cable went out.

I agree with your point of view, but I take the stand that these fees should not apply to DSL service either, because like cable TV and cable modems, its not "life-critical" in any sense. Its a luxury item. People who want it and can afford it will buy it, but no one is entitled to it by any means.
--
The tobacco industry is more respectable than the telemarketing industry.
permalink · 2003-10-07 16:02:13 · Print · Reply to this

See 9 replies to this post

jinjimbob
Troy Mcclure

join:2001-11-13		 A car has four wheels, a motorcycle has two.
In some states road tax is less for motorcycles.
permalink · 2003-10-07 19:45:52 · Reply to this

PetePuma
How many lumps do you want
Premium,MVM
join:2002-06-13
Arlington, VA
said by pnh102 See Profile:
If you want to pay more per month for cable that's fine. I'd prefer not to, and I certainly think a USF charge for cable is outrageous... this is for glorified TV service, why should people be getting that as a freebie?!

As for the ruling, I am not worried at all, this is the 9th Circus Court of Appeals after all... so the ruling will be overturned in due course.
1. The 9th circuit gets overturned at almost exactly the same rate as the rest of the federal appeals courts (about 75%)

2. Why would your cost go UP? Competition will bring the price DOWN. If DSL was regulated as Cable, you think Verizon would be charging only $39.95 if nobody else could offer it to you?
permalink · 2003-10-07 17:55:11 · Print · Reply to this

oliphant5
Got Identity?
Premium
join:2003-05-24
Corona, CA

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by PetePuma See Profile:
1. The 9th circuit gets overturned at almost exactly the same rate as the rest of the federal appeals courts (about 75%)
That's true unless you look at unanimous reversals by the high court...in this catagory, the 9th Circus is unsurpassed.
--
-- Munis Killed the Telco Star -- Powered by Barry McKockenner Racing in association with Jack Mikkokov Motorsports
permalink · 2003-10-07 18:17:56 · Print · Reply to this

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD
·Comcast

Re: Cable has NO EXSCUSE TO CRY!!!

said by oliphant5 See Profile:
That's true unless you look at unanimous reversals by the high court...in this catagory, the 9th Circus is unsurpassed.
Maybe they are proud to be #1?
--
The tobacco industry is more respectable than the telemarketing industry.
permalink · 2003-10-07 20:15:04 · Print · Reply to this

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD
·Comcast
said by PetePuma See Profile:
2. Why would your cost go UP? Competition will bring the price DOWN. If DSL was regulated as Cable, you think Verizon would be charging only $39.95 if nobody else could offer it to you?
My cable bill is about $65 a month (I have expanded basic service from Comcast, and I am paying the $19.95 a month for cable modem service promotional rate). On this bill is about $3 in taxes and franchise fees. If this ruling stands, I am going to see a 9.1% tax, USF fees, and other BS charges get tacked onto my cable bill. That's how its gonna go up.

As for Verizon charging $whatever price, it doesn't matter because in my previous residence, I could not get DSL, and in my current one, I didn't bother to check, but its probably not available here either. Even if it was, I would still be wasting cash on a landline I will never use.

If other big-name ISPs want to compete with the cable company, they can make the investments and run their own wires and compete all they like. The fact that these ISPs don't want to spend this cash to do it doesn't mean that I should subsidize their lousy business model (sound familiar, folks?) with an increased hit on my cable bill.
--
The tobacco industry is more respectable than the telemarketing industry.
permalink · 2003-10-08 09:06:11 · Print · Reply to this

oliphant5
Got Identity?
Premium
join:2003-05-24
Corona, CA
said by vic102482 See Profile:
They have been calling and complaining that Satellite TV users dont have to pay county and state taxes for tearing up roads, so its only fitting that CABLE should have to pay more, and lose to line sharers just like the telecom industry.
Here in Cali when I had Dish Network I most certainly paid taxes on my satellite TV service.
--
-- Munis Killed the Telco Star -- Powered by Barry McKockenner Racing in association with Jack Mikkokov Motorsports
permalink · 2003-10-07 16:01:20 · Print · Reply to this

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK		 .... So, we have recent rulings rolling back CLEC's and now a Court Decision opening up Cable.

'Round and Round and Round she goes.... where will it stop...? Nobody knows.
permalink · 2003-10-07 18:51:55 · Reply to this

Phoenix2088

join:2002-12-04
Strongsville, OH
clubs:		 My comparison of broadband to cars was comparing DSL deployment VS cable modem deployment, NOT the speed.
permalink · 2003-10-08 15:00:25 · Reply to this

sadowski
I Am My Own Doppelganger
Premium,MVM
join:2000-04-14
Buffalo, NY
clubs:

The Final Frontier

The only 'utilities' with which I have no choice are cable and water. I have no problems with forcing them to share. They impose their lines on my property (even though I don't subscribe) and have a monopoly service in this area. There is no reason they should continue to be protected 30 years on from their installation. This is long past due and it is indeed time for some competition in an essentially closed industry.
--
In this world of sin and sorrow, there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. -- H.L. Mencken
Liberals feel unworthy of their possessions. Conservatives feel theydeserve everything they've stole
permalink · 2003-10-07 14:55:47 · Print · Reply to this

Sarick
It's Only Logical
Premium
join:2003-06-03
USA
·FrontierNet Intern..

Re: The Final Frontier

Where I live Telcos have found a way to regulater their own lines.

They have provisioned the lines as PPPoA and made it so other ISP's don't know the lines have DSL. Cable is Non-existant where I live even if it did exist It might be to far away..
permalink · 2003-10-08 06:57:10 · Reply to this

DaveNJ
No Fear

join:1999-09-01
New Jersey
·Comcast
·Patriot Media

i want 100% reliability

If they have to open there network then ,they have to be as good as ILECs. Cable data and television should be designed not to go down as much as it does. I dont agree with the sharing on cable for a few reason, but i dont think its a bad idea either. Verizon cablemodem, thats kinda funny.
--
Alright DR. Slotkin do your worst.
permalink · 2003-10-07 15:04:09 · Reply to this

See 11 replies to this post

xdeadhead
220, 221, Whatever It Takes.
Premium
join:2000-11-08
Mechanicsburg, PA

it's about time

now maybe a fair and even, level playing field will make more choices available. i use comcast but id love to get OOL.
--
lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.
permalink · 2003-10-07 15:46:07 · Reply to this

At0mAng
Premium
join:2003-01-13
Port Chester, NY

Re: it's about time

said by xdeadhead See Profile:
now maybe a fair and even, level playing field will make more choices available. i use comcast but id love to get OOL.
*If* OOL ever offered it's service over some other company's network you would not get speeds like what OOL has on their own network.
permalink · 2003-10-07 16:21:37 · Reply to this

reub2000
Premium
join:2001-12-28
Evanston, IL

Re: it's about time

Why would you not get full ool speeds?
permalink · 2003-10-07 18:20:26 · Reply to this

xdeadhead
220, 221, Whatever It Takes.
Premium
join:2000-11-08
Mechanicsburg, PA

Re: it's about time

yes, why not? their equipment would be "colo'd" at the head end in comcasts building. please explain your post.
thanx.
--
lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.
permalink · 2003-10-07 18:30:56 · Reply to this
keyboard5684

join:2001-08-01
Youngsville, PA
·Teliax VOIP
·WestPAnet Inc.
·WestPAnet Inc. CA..

Re: it's about time

Why would they? The network is the same, the same noise in the RF plant and the same limitations that exists in the current cable plant. Installing different CMTSs with different backbones may not help much.

Comcast has the same equipment available to them as OOL.

Plus, you are asking ISPs to share very small amounts of available upstream spectrum with other ISPs. This will probably make things worse with less reliability for everyone. Who is going to maintain the RF plant? Why should comcast care when OOL has more customers? Why should comcast pay to fix that amplifier when OOL clearly has a considerably larger interest in having it fixed?

With DSL it is a bit easier to share DSL services with different ISPs. A single DSL line can be routed just about anywhere.
permalink · 2003-10-07 20:35:01 · Print · Reply to this

xdeadhead
220, 221, Whatever It Takes.
Premium
join:2000-11-08
Mechanicsburg, PA
·Verizon FIOS
·Comcast

Re: it's about time

"Comcast has the same equipment available to them as OOL."

yes they do. and if the cable plant is in anywhere near the same shape as the plant in OOL territory, the speeds would be nearly the same, but comcast withholds as much BW as the sole proprietor in the monoploized area because they want to squeeze as much money as they can out of their users.
all i want is the choice of several providers the same way people can choose their provider and isp on the dsl side.
i think it is safe to assume that cable plant is in great shape in the comcast territories as they are upping speeds to try and appease us. too little too late.

"Why should comcast care when OOL has more customers? Why should comcast pay to fix that amplifier when OOL clearly has a considerably larger interest in having it fixed?"

they should care the same reason every other ILEC has to care and fix network problems when its not your customer out of service....cause the government forces them to.

i dont think anyone actually believes these huge companies care a whit about any of us.
--
lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.
[text was edited by author 2003-10-07 22:29:53]
permalink · 2003-10-07 22:25:18 · Print · Reply to this

reub2000
Premium
join:2001-12-28
Evanston, IL

Finaly

If we had line sharing, then anyone could sign up for ool. How nice is that?
permalink · 2003-10-07 17:38:29 · Reply to this

xdeadhead
220, 221, Whatever It Takes.
Premium
join:2000-11-08
Mechanicsburg, PA

Re: Finaly

it would be the bomb, i tell ya what.
permalink · 2003-10-07 18:33:04 · Reply to this
drugrep
--

join:2000-08-10
Woodridge, IL
·Comcast
·Comcast Formerly ..

Maybe we will get some upload speed now.

I email Comcast monthly begging them for some more upload speed for XBOX Live.

Can't host a decent 16 player game of Castle Wolfenstein or Ghost Recon.

With 256 kbps up, I can only host 4-6 people, depending on network quality.

We need at least 768 kbps upload. I'd cry if I was able to get OOL as my ISP. They get around 900 up I believe.
permalink · 2003-10-07 18:32:52 · Reply to this

Sarick
It's Only Logical
Premium
join:2003-06-03
USA
·FrontierNet Intern..

Re: Maybe we will get some upload speed now.

said by drugrep See Profile:
I email Comcast monthly begging them for some more upload speed for XBOX Live.

Can't host a decent 16 player game of Castle Wolfenstein or Ghost Recon.

With 256 kbps up, I can only host 4-6 people, depending on network quality.

We need at least 768 kbps upload. I'd cry if I was able to get OOL as my ISP. They get around 900 up I believe.
..786

Try hosting with 128 over PPPoA.. Then come and tell me how wonderful your connection is.
permalink · 2003-10-08 06:54:46 · Print · Reply to this

Julio
Bachatero y Que?
Premium
join:2003-03-19
Brooklyn, NY
clubs:

WOOO OOL!!!

i hope this means i can get OOL service
permalink · 2003-10-07 19:10:25 · Reply to this
keyboard5684

join:2001-08-01
Youngsville, PA
·Teliax VOIP
·WestPAnet Inc.
·WestPAnet Inc. CA..

DSL open networks/fair?

In my area Verizon will typically sell DSL lines to competitors for $39.00 plus the ISP has to pay for tha ATM (which is considerable). The price goes down the more lines you buy but the lowest cost is $25 per line. Verizon DSL is $29 if you bundle it and $35 if you do not. There is currently one provider of DSL in my area, Verizon, because they designed it that way.

How is that fair? How does that drive competition with ISPs and DSL?

My point is they cannot. ISPs cannot compete because verizon provides the lines to its customers cheaper than they provide them to the ISPs (so a competing ISP would have to sell there lines for $18 a month more to pay for the line plus ATM costs). At least around here that is the way it is.

Now, there are cable providers in my area. Some of them have there own cable networks but the local ISP provides the actual internet network. In the case of forcing the networks to open up the ISP itself would have to open its network to its competitors. In order to survive the local cable companies would have to do the same thing as my local DSL provider.

So does all this really work out? The same thing the telcos are crying about are the same things they are "working" to gain there competitive edge. They should drop the law regulating both sides, the telcos and the cable companies, and not force them to be open. The telco uses this type of stuff to rape the local companies and it does not really benefit anyone to have "open" networks.

Thats how it is here. If the "open networks" truly worked in PA then I would say go for it but since it has ended with nothing but one provider and Verizon in the bed with senators I cannot see the point.
permalink · 2003-10-07 19:14:14 · Print · Reply to this
bmn
? ? ?
Premium,ExMod 2003-06
join:2001-03-15
hiatus

Re: DSL open networks/fair?

said by keyboard5684 See Profile:
Thats how it is here. If the "open networks" truly worked in PA then I would say go for it but since it has ended with nothing but one provider and Verizon in the bed with senators I cannot see the point.
Just because opening networks failed in Pennsylvania, doesn't mean its a failure else where. Its worked very well in Bellsouth territory.
--
Male by birth... Geek by choice. -- Proudly free of MSO IP network madness!
permalink · 2003-10-07 21:11:18 · Print · Reply to this
keyboard5684

join:2001-08-01
Youngsville, PA
·Teliax VOIP
·WestPAnet Inc.
·WestPAnet Inc. CA..

Re: DSL open networks/fair?

But only because BellSouth is working the way the law intended them to do so. There is not reason that BellSouth will not pull the same stuff Verizon has. In fact it is probable that they will some day when put in a pinch to crush the local competition.

My point being that the law is flawed and that the telco, the cable company, the sattelite provider, anyone that the government is trying to force these regulations on, can eventually use it the opposite way it was intended.

Destroying local competition by having the law deny them to build there own networks forcing them to use the big company. When you are forced to use, say Verizon as your DSL provider, then you have no choice but to pay there outragous fees for that open access. This is one way the big guys have or will use the law to there advantage.

Truth is you cannot force local competition by forcing open networks. You can allow competition by removing force. The broadband industry and the internet as a whole has a way of working things out themselves without attempts by government. In the long run allowing legitimate battles between providers will work out just fine. What the law is trying to do and what they will accomplish are 2 different things. The idea of what it will provide is very nice but look at my example of how it was abused and how it will probably eventually be abused in your area. BellSouth is no different than Verizon and an example is easily followed.
permalink · 2003-10-08 10:30:56 · Print · Reply to this

xdeadhead
220, 221, Whatever It Takes.
Premium
join:2000-11-08
Mechanicsburg, PA		 "They should drop the law regulating both sides"

i concur.
permalink · 2003-10-07 22:32:13 · Reply to this

newview
Ex .. Ex .. Exactly
Premium
join:2001-10-01
Parsonsburg, MD

Just ask any Comcast HSI subscriber . . .

. . . who doesn't subscribe to their cableTV service (and is subsequently penalized to the the tune of $15.00 EACH AND EVERY MONTH) if cable companies should be REQUIRED to open their lines to competitors.

Comcast would quickly drop this price gouging policy when satellite customers who had their HSI service began canceling en masse to go with the competition.
--
The Rules of Spam | Maryland's New Anti-Spam Law
Where are we going? And what's with the hand basket?
permalink · 2003-10-07 20:33:03 · Print · Reply to this
keyboard5684

join:2001-08-01
Youngsville, PA
·Teliax VOIP
·WestPAnet Inc.
·WestPAnet Inc. CA..

Re: Just ask any Comcast HSI subscriber . . .

Why should sattelite providers not open their networks? Maybe we should be able to get Charter over sattelite?

What next, should McDonalds have to sell Burger Kings burgers along with there own? What if one town only has a McDonalds but wants the option of competition from other providers like Burger King.

A. Opening networks does not work.
B. You would never even consider asking one company to sell its competitors products EXCEPT when it comes to broadband. Why?
permalink · 2003-10-07 20:39:59 · Reply to this

newview
Ex .. Ex .. Exactly
Premium
join:2001-10-01
Parsonsburg, MD

Just ask any Comcast HSI subscriber . . .

said by keyboard5684 See Profile:
B. You would never even consider asking one company to sell its competitors products EXCEPT when it comes to broadband. Why?
I am not asking a company to sell it's competitor's products . . . I'm asking for the opportunity to PURCHASE a competitor's service thru infrastructure GRANTED by my local government franchise.

I probably would not have thought twice about the price Comcast charges for their broadband service until I dropped their cableTV service and was immediately shafted with an extra fee for the HSI service just because I no longer subscribed to the cableTV service. There was NO technological reason or requirement that caused my HSI service to now cost more to provide; it was just pure greed by Comcast.

Cable companies in general, and Comcast in particular have brought this ruling on themselves with their price gouging and monopolistic tactics.

When the ATTBI/Comcast merger was all in the news, you saw a lot of talk (and a little action) about Comcast opening their network to AOL & Earthlink (and some others), but once the FCC approved the merger with no "open network" requirement, these plans seem to have just disappeared.

The courts ruling will change all that . . . to the benefit of the consumer, for a change.
--
The Rules of Spam | Maryland's New Anti-Spam Law
Where are we going? And what's with the hand basket?
permalink · 2003-10-07 21:20:34 · Print · Reply to this
keyboard5684

join:2001-08-01
Youngsville, PA
·Teliax VOIP
·WestPAnet Inc.
·WestPAnet Inc. CA..

Re: Just ask any Comcast HSI subscriber . . .

That is not completely true.

A drop to your home carries the same signals, internet and TV. For every single drop the cable company has to pay for the TV signals provided to you. For example, about $12 per month for things like ESPN or whatever. If the signal is there the cable company has to provide the companies they buy TV signal from with the fees.

They can place filters on your line to block out all TV signals but they have to be specific filters. This means no blocking from 5-42 MHZ but blocking everything else except the downstream channels. So either way it costs more for them to just provide internet access without TV. So it any case it is cheaper for them to let the signal go through.

There is a technological reason and it is very valid.

You are not bringing in competition, you are bringing in re-sellers. The network is still the local providers network, you are just asking for someone to come in and re-sell the same thing. Cable networks do not operate the same as DSL networks. A DSL line is just 2 wires that no one shares. Cable is just one cable that everyone shares, including alternate suppliers.

Be careful what you ask for.
permalink · 2003-10-08 11:41:28 · Print · Reply to this

Mrq5
The Fab Four

join:1999-08-21
Warren, MI

Consumers Bottom Line

Bottom line this is bad news for Cable ISP's and good news for the rest of us. Surely any1 associated in any way to a Cable ISP will argue against this rulling.

As a consumer, I say WHO CARES if the Cable ISP built the networks. For the most part they have been isolated from competition for years and the free money cow is OVER. Its good to see the ruling is on the SIDE OF THE CONSUMERS, in fact this restores some faith for me that our FED is NOT totally bought off by Corp America. The FED SHOULD do whats in the BEST interest of the communities. Heck if they dont the Telcos and Cable ISP's would have free will to do whatever. We need to see more rulings like this to BETTER our Country, such as stopping Companies from shipping jobs overseas, stop trading with 3rd World Nations, etc... Im for anything that helps us as a whole and not just those already in influence.

With the Cable lines open the current Cable ISPs will just need to provide better quality and cost effective services in order to compete. Personally I dont know any1 currently working in the Cable TV/ISP industry, but I do understand their arguments and worries. However its time to move on and invite ISP's to come up with better tech that can deliver even better services. All one has to do is look at SBC, the minute MCI was allowed to go local in my area PHONE RATES ARE AT A ALL TIME LOW. I remember my mother setting a stop-clock when making long-distance calls, now with competition SBC offers UNLIMITED NATIONWIDE in my area for a whooping $45:) Bad for SBC but GREAT FOR ME.

[text was edited by author 2003-10-09 01:41:45]
permalink · 2003-10-09 01:38:51 · Print · Reply to this

Jim Pickrell

@brandx.net

I filed the Brand X appeal

My name's Jim Pickrell. I'm the one that filed that appeal that you are reading about here. Our site is at »www.brandx.net. We filed this appeal because, as an independent ISP, we depend on access to lines so we can provide service to customers.

The FCC itself is anti-competition. They tried to exempt the telephone companies and the cable companies from the competitive obligations of the Telecommunications act by declaring that broadband is not a telecommunications service.

We disagree. We don't think the FCC should be able to change laws by redefining a word like telecommunications. If a law is going to be changed, that's a job for our elected officials, not bureaucrats.

We appealed, and the courts agreed.

At Brand X Internet we're not looking for a free ride. We're happy to pay for the access we get. All we are looking for is a level playing field, where we pay the same price for line access, as does Adelphia or Roadrunner or SBC Internet. Then it's up to the consumer to decide which service they like. Keep in mind the monopoly gets a subsidy the moment they get their franchise, and the lines are built with consumer money, not with Adelphia or AT&T money.

Choice is the best system. If these guys got their way there would be no place for a site like DSL reports because there would be nothing to compare. There would be only one broadband provider in each area.

I think it's crazy that the FCC is trying to stifle competition. We've seen how that worked in the past. It doesn't improve service and it doesn't improve costs. Competition is the best way to harness the energy of industry for the benefit of the public.

I've identified my affiliation and you know my bias. I like competition because we are the competition. When the FCC tries to close out competition we're the ones they're trying to shut down. The SBC participants in this forum I disagree with, but at least they are honorable enough to identify themselves. It looks like we're seeing a number of lurkers from the cable companies. I'd like to see them come forward and identify themselves.

Jim Pickrell (email jimp@brandx.net)
permalink · 2003-10-09 03:47:42 · Print · Reply to this
jasonjsmith

join:2003-09-10
Greenville, MI

Competition is a good thing!

Amen! It's wonderful to know that the cable companies have not successfully squeezed out competing ISP's from their networks. Cable companies deserve a bit more respect than phone companies in my book. Neither enthuse me very much due to their inherent desire to monopolize certain markets.

I can appreciate the effort, and I am happy to know they are unsuccessful at this time. We are an emerging WISP and would love to enter the cable modem market. So, would anyone care to fill me in on how we should proceed?

No sense in hiding. Simply try to be the best and let your customers decide for themselves. That's my philosophy. Competition also keeps us on our toes.

Having the freedom to make choices is one of the greatest benefits of living in the USA. It is disappointing to learn that the FCC would work against this.
permalink · 2003-10-09 21:16:35 · Print · Reply to this
Forums » Cable Opens Up

Monday, 30-Nov 11:05:46 Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Hosting by www.nac.net - DSL,Hosting & Co-lo | feedback | contact
over 10 years online! © 1999-2009 dslreports.com.republican-creole