> I have yet to see a cogent argument justifying that difference. My suspicion is that it ultimately falls down to "ISPs are unpopular, web companies are popula

> I have yet to see a cogent argument justifying that difference. My suspicion is that it ultimately falls down to "ISPs are unpopular, web companies are popular." The natural, physical costs to creating an ISP creates a ready parallel to other, established natural monopolies. Electrical and water suppliers spring readily to mind. Big Web companies do not have the same natural barriers to entry, which suggests that other models may be available.