more on FCC adopts rules for broadband over power lines

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Brett Glass <brett () lariat org>
Date: October 15, 2004 3:44:57 PM GMT+01:00
To: dave () farber net, Ip <ip () v2 listbox com>
Subject: Re: [IP] FCC adopts rules for broadband over power lines

David:

The truly sad thing about this development is that -- as with telephone 
and cable lines -- the FCC is opting to give utility monopolies the 
ability to prevent other providers from using their facilities. Thus, 
in many cases, a consumer may have a choice between at most three 
large, entrenched monopolies when seeking wired broadband service, and 
in most cases only one or two. At the same time, the FCC is continuing 
to hobble wireless broadband by refusing to reserve spectrum 
exclusively for that purpose or provide licensed spectrum that it is 
practical for ISPs to buy. This means that wireless cannot be 
competitive in terms of reliability. A cordless phone can, without 
warning, disrupt Internet service to an entire building or even to the 
entire area served by an ISP's wireless access point.

If things continue on their present course, the FCC will be awarding to 
large, entrenched, rapacious corporations a monopoly on reliable 
broadband access. Good for the GOP's corporate patrons, but bad for the 
rest of us.

--Brett Glass

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