Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2002 09:34:59 -0500 From: Jeff Mcadams <jeffm@iglou.com>
I'm honestly surprised that anyone thinks that these two things can be separated on this issue. Sad, but true.
Agreed, alas. What's scary is how short-sighted (IMHO) some of the Congress are... I met Senator Brownback (KS) in 1999 or 2000, and asked some questions re his standing on Telecommunications legislation. In short, his attitude was "let the market forces work things out, just like they did in the last several years". No interest in UNEs, who was classified as an ILEC, etc. -- nor do I think any real understanding. Market forces brought competition? The Bells just opened their networks? Huh? As much as I, too, hate to see NANOG degenerate into a political forum, I think some awareness is necessary. Maybe ISPs should write some "Local ISP Predicts Increasing Cost of Internet Access" press releases? Remember, keep it factual, and attribute opinions to their holders... but the individuals who will be affected -- access and hosting customers -- need to hear more than one "interpretation" of what this legislation means. The funny thing is that many of us NANOGers are skilled enough that, assuming a reasonable market, we _could_ find work in a non-ISP environment if ILECs have their way. Yes, many have more than jobs (read: ownership in a company) at stake, but... all in all, could make it through. Not that I'd like that to happen, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. Just that Internet access customers would get the worst deal of anyone... The thing is, we independent "whiners" aren't even asking to be subsidized by tax dollars, to outlaw any competitor that comes to town, or to have Big Brother ensure our profitability. Many of us are just as willing to sell unbundled services as we are to consume them. Is a single standard for all too much to ask? <frustrated thought> Ah, let the bill pass. Everyone just tell your customers "your prices are going up and your service down when we are forced out of business by the RBOC-driven legislation". Have people mark your words, and let people face the consequences of a Congress that was swayed by the Bells. </frustrated thought> Eddy Brotsman & Dreger, Inc. - EverQuick Internet Division Phone: +1 (316) 794-8922 Wichita/(Inter)national Phone: +1 (785) 865-5885 Lawrence -- Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 11:23:58 +0000 (GMT) From: A Trap <blacklist@brics.com> To: blacklist@brics.com Subject: Please ignore this portion of my mail signature. These last few lines are a trap for address-harvesting spambots. Do NOT send mail to <blacklist@brics.com>, or you are likely to be blocked.