Competition is the missing ingredient for reducing broadband prices and improving service quality. Unfortunately, a "free market" tends to have the opposite eff

Competition is the missing ingredient for reducing broadband prices and improving service quality. Unfortunately, a "free market" tends to have the opposite effect in industries that are this capital intensive, resulting in monopolies. Even if you oppose most government regulation of business, this is one area where you, especially as an HN'r, should reconsider. Does the Canadian regulatory regime differ from the European model discussed in this earlier thread: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2709834 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2709834? It appears that British telcos (mention in the linked story) only sell wholesale access, while Canadian telcos sell both wholesale and retail access, but would really like to hear from anyone who has experienced both. Regardless, it seems quite clear which economic model would produce the better outcome for end users. Related, the recent competition report by the FCC was discussed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr4SULDvrj0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr4SULDvrj0 [The Communicators, 7/11/11]. It's interesting to see how the wireless industry defends itself; choosing to parse the difference between "Competition" and "Concentration" (skip to that segment here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr4SULDvrj0&t=6m15s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr4SULDvrj0&t=6m15s).