>>If it was only a matter of regulatory approval or some such thing, wouldn't Att have gone in that direction? <<
Neither T nor the RBOCs would find it easy, given their commitments. Explained: T bought _real_ heavy into legacy, and the RBOCs continue to develop it, although both T and the RBOCs have shown signs of a willingness to progress in the direction of deeper fiber. Besides, these incumbents (T and RBOCs) already have right of way.
You would be amazed at just how much right of way there is to be had for those with a will. To rephrase, where there is a will there is a right of way.
Ten years ago in NY City, as was the case for the entire country for the preceding century, there was a prevailing rule of sorts (mostly folk lore, in retrospect) that said that pulling dark fiber was a dead end street, so to speak. You either had to be NYNEX, TWX, TCG or MFS, or you need not apply.
Today there are a dozen facilities based fiber carriers and resellers who are pulling dark in the streets, and the number just keeps climbing, with new franchises being let every year. Jim Schmoe can't do this, it takes capital and juice. When you get a Goldman or a MSDW behind you, the franchise authorities take notice and politicos begin to react differently. Things start to "open up," if you know what I mean. |
