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Outside the wireless space, the local loop is a rather strong classical mono/duo/-poly. While there may be several re-sellers, and more players at the national

Outside the wireless space, the local loop is a rather strong classical mono/duo/-poly. While there may be several re-sellers, and more players at the national level, in practice for most individual homes the choices are extremely limited. Network effects (in an economic sense) are in play at the ISP level so entering the mature market as an 'independent' isn't as straightforward as it sounds. Consumer Internet is furthermore already packaged in with a TV/PSTN/Mobile bundle offer. Keeping an open Internet has definitely been a struggle in Europe. One that is under constant attack. A strong Net Neutrality stance has been the only defense, but also over here it is failing as we speak.

phlo 9y ago
In Switzerland, some cities have started to break this up, and it's wonderful: Responsibility is split between the local utility and telcos. The utilities are responsible for the last mile (just as they are for power and water), and provide a fiber connection from the customer to one of several points of presence per city. Telcos rent space in these PoPs. They get to skip the expensive last mile and focus on Internet connectivity. In places where FTTH is available, a wonderful ecosystem of mini-ISPs has sprung up, serving different niches. Some focus on integrated multi-play (Internet/TV/Phone/etc.) setups, others offer affordable quick connections without the bullshit. Choice and competition are alive and well, despite (or because?) part of the infrastructure is publicly funded.
masklinn 9y ago
> Outside the wireless space, the local loop is a rather strong classical mono/duo/-poly. In theory the US has had a local loop unbundling policy since 1996, the issues so far as I can see them are: 1. I don't know that it applies to Cable 2. it's very hard to reach the local loop when line-sharing was unmandated when DSL ISPs were moved to Title I in 2005 3. in 2004, the Supreme Court voided some of the leasing rules

phlo 9y ago

In Switzerland, some cities have started to break this up, and it's wonderful: Responsibility is split between the local utility and telcos. The utilities are responsible for the last mile (just as they are for power and water), and provide a fiber connection from the customer to one of several points of presence per city. Telcos rent space in these PoPs. They get to skip the expensive last mile and focus on Internet connectivity. In places where FTTH is available, a wonderful ecosystem of mini-ISPs has sprung up, serving different niches. Some focus on integrated multi-play (Internet/TV/Phone/etc.) setups, others offer affordable quick connections without the bullshit. Choice and competition are alive and well, despite (or because?) part of the infrastructure is publicly funded.

masklinn 9y ago

> Outside the wireless space, the local loop is a rather strong classical mono/duo/-poly. In theory the US has had a local loop unbundling policy since 1996, the issues so far as I can see them are: 1. I don't know that it applies to Cable 2. it's very hard to reach the local loop when line-sharing was unmandated when DSL ISPs were moved to Title I in 2005 3. in 2004, the Supreme Court voided some of the leasing rules