Re: Google and the New America Foundation have teamed up to launch a Google Moderator about the National Broadband Plan

http://moderator.appspot.com/#16/e=a4977

I got to spout in this forum, because there's no way to comment on some of
the ideas posted in Google Moderator.  

Just breeze through some of the ideas -- it's clear that most people think
that gov't will solve our broadband problems.  Second, it appears that most
people lack faith in capitalism and free market principles.  Not saying that
the general public doesn't have good reason to believe that ISPs have let
them down sometimes, it's just that people think that gov't can do it better
and/or cheaper than private enterprise.

Generally speaking, competition has worked for urban and sub-urban areas,
and industry is developing their network and service offering in a way that
makes money.  Apparently people are speaking out of the populist side of
their brain and not their pocketbook, because I guess they don't want to
earn a return in their mutual funds or stocks.  How many MSOs aren't
building out DOCSIS 3.0, even though the capital costs for head end
equipment is enormous, and every upgrade requires a new modem and perhaps a
truck roll.  Same with Verizon's FiOS and AT&T Universe.  People forget that
these upgrades are costing these companies billions of dollars.

In some sub-urban areas and rural areas, where there is no broadband
available (or limited/no competition), it hasn't happened because the ILEC
(nor anyone else, for that matter) perceives a return on their investment.
In those cases, there does need to be some incentive or assistance to make a
build out happen.  

As long as no flaming arises, I would be interested in hearing from others
on this topic, too.

Frank

-- 
Eat sushi frequently. - Avi
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