Investing in the Internet: Municipal or Misguided Broadband?

American Legislator ^ | 5-6-14 | Aaron Bisla

[ThethoughtsofGreg]

The idea of universal Internet access is a noble one, but taxpayers shouldn’t be strapped with sustaining failing businesses in order to reach that ideal. Innovation and investment by private broadband providers in the free market has put universal access within reach. Private enterprise avoids the risks to taxpayers when municipal government-owned broadband networks go bust.

State and local governments have a critical role to play in ensuring universal access to broadband Internet. By ensuring economic conditions favorable to marketplace innovation and investment, states can do more to advance broadband access than risky muni broadband projects.

[GeronL]

Why do we need “universal access”? Does it make sense to think that the boonies need super-fast internet even if they don’t subscribe to it? or have enough customers for it to make sense?

[Calvin Locke]

Here’s a good place to start what’s probably going to happen to any muni dumb and/or corrupt enough to attempt it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burlington_Telecom

I’ll throw Moore’s Law in for consideration for evolving technology, and how businesses can spread the costs of upgrading across a much larger base than the mostly captured enclave (including Section 8...) of a small city.

[wewereright]

OK - I get your point but this is an extreme example. The internet is a pipeline. I’m tired of being ripped off by Verizon - who buy the way makes a ton of money for an inferior product delivered at a ridiculous price. In short - they act just like the government.

[W.]

Anybody know if the Gore Tax is still being collected? [Telecommunications Act of 1996, section 254]

[RedMDer]

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39%

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FReepathon day 36.

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