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Technology Stocks : LAST MILE TECHNOLOGIES - Let's Discuss Them Here -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Frank A. Coluccio who wrote (4550)	7/9/1999 1:11:00 PM
From: Frank A. Coluccio	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 12823

Thread, I just took a look around the boards to catch some reactions to Markey's CNBC interview concerning the opening up of cable to ISPs. While I am certain that neither he nor his aides understand the implications of what they are preaching on a technological level, I think that in some ways, at least, what the open advocates are preaching deserves some more attention in order to examine the potential outcomes. Many who post here will agree to the merits of T's 1983-4 divestiture, citing how an entire cornucopia of innovations were spawned by that event. Those innovations were responsible for nothing short of what we now have in the way of the 'net itself, today. In this instance (today's topic) no one is discussing divestiture yet, but something akin to opening up a wholesale front, simply for the resale of what are now monopoly assets, much in the same way that the ILECs are now treating their own situation with the CLECs. Yes, there are physical differences in the makeups of these two venues, but the principles are the same. Note, I said "resale" and not the invocation of eminent domain. It all has to do with philosophical mind sets and intent. Newer and better things can come about by opening up the cable nets, lest we continue to flounder in the discontinuities that characterize the disparate islands of connectivity we now have. Perhaps this is not Darwinian enough for some, in which case I'd like to hear those arguments. And it'll get tougher and more expensive for all concerned to maintain these discontinuities as enhanced features kick in to everyday telecommunications affairs. Of course, this may even be a prime motivation for the way things are done and maintaining the status quo, since higher costs and the cost-based pricing sanctions afforded by regulation play into these considerations, as well. If these motivations are not demonstrated and verbalized overtly, they at least exist in many more subtle ways that never get spelled out. While opening up the cable plant to outsiders could potentially be very painful in some ways to the MSOs and their quasi-subsidiares, it could also become an area for new opportunities for them, if they are up to trying some innovation, instead of pure domination under the protections of government. I think that it's at least worth a serious look. Regards, Frank Coluccio