DISQUS

Brett Glass · 1 year ago

It's not just the regulators who are looking to save their jobs; it's the "consumer crusaders." They used to do a brisk business by railing against the telephone companies. Now that we're seeing a digital convergence, they are turning their attention to the Internet. This has caused them to take steps to promote a duopoly (they can't justify their positions as Davids unless there are Goliaths to fight, and so they are actually pushing regulations that will drive the little guys out of business, leaving a duopoly). They then need to impose complex regulations which require constant vigilance to enforce, so that they can be "watchdogs." This is the REAL reason why the Washington lobbyists (e.g. Free Press, Public Knowledge, etc.) are pushing for "network neutrality." It's not about consumers. It's about keeping their jobs, growing their staffs, and getting contributions. (If consumers are not dissatisfied, these lobbyists won't get money, so it is vitally important for them to bring about consumer dissatisfaction.)

Richard Bennett · 1 year ago

It's interesting that the Internet is the only communications network to undergo continuous improvement since its deployment, and is also the least regulated. Forcing it into the mold of regulatory stasis - with the consent and approval of the watchdogs - doesn't strike me as step in the right direction.