NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] The Economist on the "NN" issue
----- Forwarded message from Dave Farber <dave@farber.net> ----- Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:39:42 -0500 From: Dave Farber <dave@farber.net> Subject: [IP] The Economist on the "NN" issue Reply-To: dave@farber.net To: ip <ip@listbox.com> Begin forwarded message: > From: David <wb8foz@panix.com> > Date: January 14, 2011 11:19:01 AM EST > To: dave@farber.net > Subject: The Economist on the "NN" issue > > Prof F: > > As usual, the Economist gives us a perspective we can't seem to find ourselves, not matter how obvious it is: > > > <http://www.economist.com/node/17800141> > > > "These details are important, but the noise about them only makes the omission more startling: the failure in America to tackle the underlying lack of competition in the provision of internet access. In other rich countries it would not matter if some operators blocked some sites: consumers could switch to a rival provider. That is because the big telecoms firms with wires into people’s homes have to offer access to their networks on a wholesale basis, ensuring vigorous competition between dozens of providers, with lower prices and faster connections than are available in America. Getting America’s phone and cable companies to open up their networks to others would be a lot harder for politicians than prattling on about neutrality; but it would do far more to open up the net." > ------------------------------------------- ----- End forwarded message -----