http://www.theinternetpatrol.com/if-they-had-their-way-free-municipal-wifi-would-never-see-the-light-of-day/ Internet Safety, Windows Updates, Internet News, and More Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:56:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 http://www.theinternetpatrol.com/if-they-had-their-way-free-municipal-wifi-would-never-see-the-light-of-day/#comment-116740 Ron Legro Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:34:31 +0000 /?p=688#comment-116740 This development is analagous to what happened with public access cable TV. The cities that franchised their rights of way to private cable companies insisted that local citizens have free access at some level. The companies grudgingly agreed (with a push from federal law) and then began working tirelessly to undermine the promise. Local governments in some cases actually built entire wired Internet and cable systems because private firms were disinterested in their markets; but when the build began, the companies sued. Here's the thing: The companies may not choose to serve your town, but they insist on the right to control your access via other providers, especially local government, on the basis that this is non-competitive and unfair competition. But that's the pot calling the kettle black. Think about it. This development is analagous to what happened with public access cable TV. The cities that franchised their rights of way to private cable companies insisted that local citizens have free access at some level. The companies grudgingly agreed (with a push from federal law) and then began working tirelessly to undermine the promise. Local governments in some cases actually built entire wired Internet and cable systems because private firms were disinterested in their markets; but when the build began, the companies sued. Here’s the thing: The companies may not choose to serve your town, but they insist on the right to control your access via other providers, especially local government, on the basis that this is non-competitive and unfair competition. But that’s the pot calling the kettle black. Think about it.

]]> http://www.theinternetpatrol.com/if-they-had-their-way-free-municipal-wifi-would-never-see-the-light-of-day/#comment-85583 Me Thu, 31 May 2007 02:19:21 +0000 /?p=688#comment-85583 Adam is an idiot who must have his head up the Baby Bell's rear. Adam is an idiot who must have his head up the Baby Bell’s rear.

]]> http://www.theinternetpatrol.com/if-they-had-their-way-free-municipal-wifi-would-never-see-the-light-of-day/#comment-1969 Daniel Thu, 09 Jun 2005 00:47:58 +0000 /?p=688#comment-1969 If it means some sort of control on price-gouging, then yes! I would certainly hope so! Telecom companies are functionally without competition in large parts of the country (read rural). I think its outrageous that my dialup costs $35 a month - and DSL in this area runs $90+ If it means some sort of control on price-gouging, then yes! I would certainly hope so! Telecom companies are functionally without competition in large parts of the country (read rural). I think its outrageous that my dialup costs $35 a month - and DSL in this area runs $90+

]]> http://www.theinternetpatrol.com/if-they-had-their-way-free-municipal-wifi-would-never-see-the-light-of-day/#comment-1930 Adam Thu, 02 Jun 2005 10:38:01 +0000 /?p=688#comment-1930 Good. Municipalities (Cities / Counties) should not be in the business of providing Internet access. Bottom line. Is the government going to start providing phone service next? Good. Municipalities (Cities / Counties) should not be in the business of providing Internet access. Bottom line. Is the government going to start providing phone service next?

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