Keeping the Bells on life support
The FCC reportedly will rule that Baby Bells that can reserve exclusive access to new broadband networks. Chairman Michael Powell wanted to revoke the open access provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which would have been disastrous. As it is, the monopoly on the last wired mile is pretty much intact when it comes to broadband when it needs to fail fast instead.
By the way, the FCC has conveniently locked down in response to the terrorist threat. This notice appears on the site these days (so much for transparent government):
Posted by Mitch Ratcliffe at February 19, 2003 09:01 PM | TrackBack
NOTICE: Due to the elevated homeland security alert announced February 7, 2003, the FCC has taken additional security precautions that will limit visitor access to the FCC headquarters building in Washington, DC. Until further notice, the Maine Avenue lobby is closed. All visitors must enter the building through the 12th Street lobby, and will require an escort at all times in the building.