Better approach to computer and broadband entitlement

By George Ou – I am not talking about people’s “right” to own a computer or connect to the Internet via broadband, I am talking about entitlements when it comes to broadband policy. “Rights” sounds better and it’s is the usual terminology used in this discussion, but most people know that it is a euphemism for “entitlement” which is why so many people believe broadband isn’t a “right”. They are not saying that people don’t have a right to purchase broadband access; they are saying that it shouldn’t be any different than owning a car.

Some of these high cost customers cost the Universal Service Fund (USF) $16,834 per year to support a single phone line and many of these “high cost” customers sit in places like Maui that already have cellular phone coverage. more> http://bwbx.io/y7l5

Broadband and the Wrong Numbers

By Terry McGarty – Second the Economist misrepresents the true costs of deploying fiber. This is a pandemic problem amongst policy planners which is why frankly centralized Government planning is a fundamental evil in and of itself. It is done by people who have no real experience.

As we have demonstrated before many times the cost is closer to $3500. Just the ONT, CPE, and drop cost $1500! Then you have to add the fiber plant plus all the other stuff. Where the Economist got this number is any one’s guess but it is not even close!

Fiber is costly, no matter where you deploy it. more> http://bwbx.io/JZri

related>

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• Verizon winds down expensive FiOS expansion
• Illinois regulators say Verizon can sell its landlines
• How high-speed broadband will be the death of Telstra
• Telstra and NBN Co: damned if they do …

National Broadband Plan: A Look at Chapter 4 and Privacy

By Rahul Gaitonde – Chapter Four of the plan focuses on broadband competition and innovation policy. It’s one of the most far-reaching sections in the entire 360-page document.

The FCC believes that the use of user data needs to be monitored to ensure that users are not being adversely targeted for advertising or that the data is being used for improper purposes. With the growth of the mobile ad market, this targeted advertisement is going to become a larger and more important market for advertisers. more> http://bwbx.io/kXIM

Like it or lump it, net won’t be free of regulation

By Mark Day – (In Australia) COMMUNICATIONS Minister Stephen Conroy says the internet is “not so special” and therefore should be regulated. In the US, one of President Barack Obama’s top communications advisers says there’s a growing need for regulation — because the internet is so special.

“Why is the internet special?” > more http://bwbx.io/Xx0n

Land of the Free, Home of Slow Internet

By Farhad Manjoo – The tough road that the FCC faces in freeing up spectrum might explain why the agency doesn’t mention some even more far-reaching efforts to bring competition to the broadband market. For instance, observers have long argued that the best way to create faster, cheaper Internet service is to impose “open access” rules on Internet providers. These rules would force companies that build lines to your home to sell access on those lines to competitors—so that many companies will be able to bring service to your home. more> http://tinyurl.com/ycqht6s