http://tlf.disqus.com/The Technology Liberation Front is the tech policy blog dedicated to keeping politicians' hands off the 'net and everything else related to technology.enThu, 04 Dec 2008 13:40:12 -0000https://techliberation.com/2008/12/04/just-how-inefficient-is-communications-regulation-the-usf-case-study/#comment-4168840<p>The explicit USF subsidy, and underlying implicit subsidies, have long-been critizied as a house of cards. But, they're a political third-rail, too.</p><p>Why should rates in Helena, MT be cheaper than those in Boston, MA - because politics, not economics, got in the way.</p><p>If you "rate rebalance," you take politicians out of the mix. If you provide the subsidy directly to customers (more than the already established "hook up" or "lifeline" subsidies), you take the companies out of the mix. A striking (or, maybe not so to this audience) co-dependence.</p><p>Will Susan Crawford (or whoever the new FCC chairperson is) change this system? Likely not. The devolution of subsidy to the marketplace and individual consumer represents a Change even the most aggressive 12-step addiction program couldn't accomplish.</p><p>In this time of holiday feasting - does anyone really want the cold turkey treatment? <br> </p>mwendyThu, 04 Dec 2008 13:40:12 -0000