And That’s The Way It Is…

by mark on August 1st, 2007

Sounds like something Edward R. Murrow might say yet it’s true.

“Signs of real progress at the FCC?” (the question mark is mine) and Richard Whitt says;

“It’s hard to ignore how the existing wireless carriers talk a good game about the virtues of the free market, but prefer to keep us stuck in their closed market.”

And… That’s The Way It Is!!!

Now, this may just be me but it seems to me that they (the FCC) may have added a couple of very sticky points that no doubt have pissed off the “powers that be” at the Telecoms.

“We understand that the Commission also may have added real teeth to these two requirements, by plugging some of the more obvious loopholes and giving consumers a tangible remedy for any carrier violations.”

Naturally, we’ll have to truly see it to believe it but this makes it a possibility the carriers can only screw us one way from Sunday rather than an infinite number of ways. That’s got to piss them off!

Save The Internet was much less (?) optimistic (ouch);

Repercussions from a Bad Decision

“In America, open access would pry open the market to new businesses, start ups, entrepreneurs and providers, spurring competition and innovation while driving down costs to the consumer. It would be a boon for the mobile Internet, at a time when a flurry of new devices such as the iPhone are coming available to users.

Instead the FCC chose a course that will keep us behind the pace of countries that have embraced open networks.

Our last, best chance to propel us into an era of Internet innovation and creativity was squandered by an agency that too often confuses corporate welfare with public service.

The FCC decision should be a call to arms for consumer advocates, public interest groups, Internet entrepreneurs and concerned citizens across the country. Unless we amplify calls for true open access, the repercussions of this sell off of the airwaves will be felt for generations to come.”

Can’t disagree, personally. I like what Arrington had to say: “Perhaps their feeble attempts to stand up to AT&T, Verizon and their army of lobbyists will have been enough to get the U.S. back in the race with the rest of the mobile world. Or perhaps not. Just for record keeping purposes, Kevin Martin (Chairman) and commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps are willing to fight for openness. Commissioners Deborah Taylor Tate and Robert McDowell, who are parroting much of the nonsense that AT&T spewed last week, are clearly lining up with the incumbents.”

Especially “feeble” and “parroting nonsense spewed.” Yes, I think Mike’s hit on it - we’ve become parrots in an old, stuck in the mud, corporate world that will be forever propelled by greed. (not Mike’s words - mine). Aaaah - isn’t the state of apathy wonderful?

BTW - you can read the news here. Don’t miss the part that says “The agency suggested a $4.6 billion minimum price for the new block of commercial airwaves and said if that price was not reached, then the airwaves would be auctioned again without the access requirement.” Google has that covered, thankfully.

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