Re: How relable does the Internet need to be? (Was: Re: Converged Network Threat)

If the internet core is going to carry traffic that traditionally was delivered via switched tdm networks, I think we can expect significantly more regulation in the coming years. The FCC and state PUC's will want to see VOIP reliability and call completion statistics that are on par with existing tdm networks. That means ISP's of moderate size and larger will have to have buildouts comparable to the existing phone networks: e.g. Hardened physical facilities and triply redundant network paths into every service area. That's a very expensive undertaking and may lead the internet business back into the regulated, guaranteed margin business models of the ILECS. E911 and FBI surveillance are just the tip of the iceberg... Joe