Re: [MLUG] ISPs

[Jonathan King <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

On 12/12/05, Nathan Odle <EMAIL:PROTECTED> wrote:
> Normally I'm all for privatization, but this is one place where I wonder
> if the city shouldn't own the physical plant, like they do with the
> water and electric utilities.  In this way, you could maintain a
> competitive situation but avoid the "why should I allow competitors
> access to my lines" argument.

Obviously we should have a situation where the actual wiring
infrastructure for telecom is owned the same way as any other utility.
 The trickier part is how to run services over it while allowing
completely free competition.  So I see no reason why there couldn't or
shouldn't be 10 companies offering cable service in town, but managing
this will be tricky.

> Also related to this argument is the fact that the City of Columbia owns
> a beautiful fiber loop that nobody can use but them and the university
> due to that bullshit CenturyTel lawsuit...

The lawsuit, though, is based on law; that's what needs to be changed.
 Right now, telephone companies are freaking out over the prospect of
wireless completely taking over both voice and DSL to most homes, and
so are doing whatever it takes to shut down the possibilities for
municipal wireless.  The cable companies will be right there with them
once it's clear we have the technology to replace 90% of what they
offer as well.

I think they will eventually get over this.  Owning the physical
access is, in the long run, pretty much a sucker's game if you want to
Make Money Fa$T.  Owning the services that go over the wire can be
pretty interesting, though.

jking

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