I think the problem is simply a lack of competition and the rise of, in effect, vertical trusts. That is, content providers also controlling last-mile services. What exists is rife with conflict of interest and unfair market power. Particularly in that wire-plants are generally protected monopolies or small-N oligopolies. The wire-plant* operators and content providers need to be separated and competition needs to be mandated by allowing easy and fair access to wire-plants. Wire-plant operators should be closely regulated. Content providers should not, in general, be regulated. * Which of course may not involve any actual wires but it's a term of art, L1/L2 if you prefer. -- -Barry Shein The World | bzs@TheWorld.com | http://www.TheWorld.com Purveyors to the Trade | Voice: 800-THE-WRLD | Dial-Up: US, PR, Canada Software Tool & Die | Public Access Internet | SINCE 1989 *oo*