IP: Re: "AT&T and Bells" No, users should come first

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 00:48:02 -0400
> To: farber () cis upenn edu
> From: Dave Burstein <dave () dslprime com>
> Subject: Re: IP: "AT&T and Bells" No, users should come first
>
> Dave
>
> The Times story you sent over,
>
>
> > In Capitol, AT&T and Bells Fight to Control Web Access
>
> has two important failings. It's mistaken and out of date - I'm about to 
> report that AT&T and the bells are quietly looking to cut a deal, with 
> overtures at the highest levels. If so, the opposition in the Senate would 
> disappear, and a bill restricting the Internet may go through.
>
> More profoundly wrong, though, is the article'ss assumption the only two 
> parties are the bells and AT&T/cable. What about us, the users of the net. 
> The true battle is between the mega corps and Internet users. The Times 
> wrote from inside the beltway blindness, but even inside the beltway many 
> of the most important players - I believe including the head of the FCC, 
> Mike Powell - put public interest ahead of corporate politics. Powell 
> talks of a wonderful diverstiy of programming within the next five years - 
> it won't happen if a few companies control, and exact tolls.
>
> This is far more than a company/business issue. This goes to the heart of 
> freedom of speech, and the practical delivery of opinion. The third 
> internet is coming, fast enough to watch. The technology for inexpensive 
> video is already on the market, so it is crucial that local monopolies not 
> have the power to economically block programming.
>
> Dave Burstein
> DSL Prime.
>
> p.s. thanks for picking up my previous thoughts on this. I think open 
> access to the net, at video speeds, is a battle worth fighting.



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