Hey, Baby Bells: Information Still Wants to Be Free - New York Times

Hey, Baby Bells: Information Still Wants to Be Free - New York Times

An interesting perspective on the issue of network neutrality for the Internet combined with a 'more bandwidth' rant (be advised....there is never enough bandwidth everywhere, at least not in my lifetime. Those that provide the physical infrastructure for last mile bandwidth, i.e., the telephone companies, the cable companies, and now some municipalities with wireless access, have the responsibility to make enormous capital investments to provide this bandwidth. The private sector companies should have the right to profitably recover that investment over a reasonable number of years. In a competitive environment, that is not an assured outcome.

Unfortunately, this rant does not address the reality of corporate profitability or staying power in the marketplace. If we are to have the bandwidth Nirvana and network neutrality, then how will companies sustain that desire unless they can price appropriately and continue to attract investment capital?

I agree with the concept of network neutrality, but for it to survive users must be willing to pay the price for bandwidth.

Also, the criticism seems to be aimed at the BellCos. What about the Cablecos?