The Technology Liberation Front - Latest Comments in “Building a Broadband Strategy for America”

Re: “Building a Broadband Strategy for America”

Luis — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:34:53 -0000

Richard: got any pointers on that particular Wu position?

Re: “Building a Broadband Strategy for America”

Matt Sherman — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:48:44 -0000

I don't doubt it Drew! Hopefully Ted Stevens wasn't on the list. :)

Not sure the Bush admin is market enough, frankly. They're still gov't after all -- no one actually wants to shrink the organization that pays their check. Eg, Kevin Martin.

How about one the fine folks here at TLF? Tim Lee? Adam? Very credible folks.

Re: “Building a Broadband Strategy for America”

BubbaDude — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:18:13 -0000

Whoever you get for your panel, as moderator you can ask Wu to explain the regulation->investment formula. I'd really love to understand it better because I'm not versed in such things.

Re: “Building a Broadband Strategy for America”

Drew Clark — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:18:51 -0000

You don't want me to regale you on all the Republican policy-makers that we have invited, and yet who have declined, the opportunity to participate, do you?

Besides, isn't the Bush administration market-oriented enough?

Drew Clark

Re: “Building a Broadband Strategy for America”

Matt Sherman — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:53:38 -0000

Drew, have you considered getting a market-oriented person on that panel? Someone not in government?

A point I fear will be missed is that we have many broadband strategies, each being run by separate companies, and not on the taxpayer's dime. The question should be whether the gov't can possibly do better with one "national" plan instead of multiple competitive ones.

(I was on TLF's TPW #35 on this topic.)

Re: “Building a Broadband Strategy for America”

BubbaDude — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:32:43 -0000

That looks like an interesting panel. I'd like to ask Prof. Wu a question on his position re: America's sucky broadband. He (and his buddy Susan Crawford) argue that the more regulation the government puts on the first mile, the more money companies will invest. They want "structural separation", unbundling, and a general ban on the sale of services by the company that brings a broadband cable to your home.

This seems a little counter-intuitive to me, so I'd like to know what business psychology it addresses. Does he think that business people invest most in the areas with the least chance of a reasonable rate of return? Really? Or does he just want to take carriers out of the picture and have the government wire the neighborhood.