IP: A personal view from your IP Editor -- A missed Broadband Opportunity

[David Farber <dave@farber.net>]

The ILECS and others have pleaded for permission to change the 1996 
Telecommunications act to "encourage" their investment in Broadband 
capabilities for the citizens of this nation. Other telecom operators have 
repeatedly argued that given regulatory relief the would invest in 
broadband deployment. Yet we see the phenomena of over 100000 subscribers 
being cut off broadband due to the AT&T purchase of   NorthPoint 
Communications.

Something is wrong here. Is there no way that service can be continued to 
these subscribers in the public interest or will they be booted off the 
four lane info highways into dirt roads (dial up) and left with modems etc 
that are of no use in the future.

Sounds to me like a time for statesmanship from the Communications 
Industry. Do I hear any.

Dave



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