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[IP] more on FCC adopts rules for broadband over power lines





Begin forwarded message:

From: Brett Glass <brett@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: October 15, 2004 3:44:57 PM GMT+01:00
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx, Ip <ip@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [IP] FCC adopts rules for broadband over power lines

David:

The truly sad thing about this development is that -- as with telephone and cable lines -- the FCC is opting to give utility monopolies the ability to prevent other providers from using their facilities. Thus, in many cases, a consumer may have a choice between at most three large, entrenched monopolies when seeking wired broadband service, and in most cases only one or two. At the same time, the FCC is continuing to hobble wireless broadband by refusing to reserve spectrum exclusively for that purpose or provide licensed spectrum that it is practical for ISPs to buy. This means that wireless cannot be competitive in terms of reliability. A cordless phone can, without warning, disrupt Internet service to an entire building or even to the entire area served by an ISP's wireless access point.

If things continue on their present course, the FCC will be awarding to large, entrenched, rapacious corporations a monopoly on reliable broadband access. Good for the GOP's corporate patrons, but bad for the rest of us.

--Brett Glass

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