The real looming threat to net neutrality

[kandrathe]

Plucky cable billionaires defeat menace of small-town broadband

Unfortunately, the large telecoms are attempting to get legislation passed in an increasing number of states.

Here are a few articles relevant to the topic.
This one includes testimony before congress that gives a pretty good picture of the industry and the policy environment.
Congressional testimony

These 2 articles explain how open access provides a superior alternative to the monopolies of large telecoms.

What is an Open Access Network?

Open Access + Muni Ownership = Scalable Smart City Infrastructure

I like the vision, but I see issues if you choose to live beyond the edge (e.g. red box) of a municipality.

   

There is great cost distribution if you can limit expensive infrastructure to within ~100 Km of fiber network center. Beyond ~125 Km you need to create repeater hubs. For a large dense municipality, this is probably less of an issue. For a very loosely distributed network the costs per residence grow quickly ( people per linear meter + central core network costs).

Guttenburg, NYC has a density of 56,012 people per mi^2 -- for comparison, the densest place in Wyoming is Jackson with 3,037 per mi^2 or over 18x less dense. I endorse the notion that municipalities should establish ownership, or perpetual licensing for rights of way for critical infrastructures (e.g. sewer, water, power, communications, roads). What we need for fair competition is to ensure municipalities (or states, counties -- Local Unit of Government LUG) to not act in the short sited interests of their constituents. Most LUG contract laws require cities to opt with lowest price within the specifications, rather than giving any discretion to speculation on future value. In other words, you would get the least functional network, rather than one that can expand easily over time.

   

Then, there is Cable's challenge to telcos in the business services sector. Interesting development since way back in 2006 when I negotiated the multi-state dedicated WAN contract with Time-Warner (now Level3) to amongst other things to VOIP connect our regional radio station affiliates, eliminate 90% of our long distance costs(now moot), and allow for robust content sharing.

Generally, I feel we need to go back to the mentality of,

“Government has three primary functions. It should provide for military defense of the nation. It should enforce contracts between individuals. It should protect citizens from crimes against {people} or their property. When government-- in pursuit of good intentions tries to rearrange the economy, legislate morality, or help special interests, the cost comes in inefficiency, lack of motivation, and loss of freedom. Government should be a referee, not an active player.”