Technology Liberation Front - Latest Comments in Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

Ramses — Sun, 21 May 2006 12:21:54 -0000

Stumbled upon this kind of late but I just wanted to say how strongly I agree with you - once you decide to let government in you will NEVER be able to get them out. Bureaucrats and lobbyists can only make things worse...let's stay with the 'hands-off' approach that already works so well.

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

lemon_lyman — Thu, 18 May 2006 15:53:11 -0000

I agree with SouthernCal, especially when Washington beauracracy has done such a bangup job with other interventions. The internet has proven to be the biggest innovation since the wheel, and it is of the upmost importance to keep it regulation free. (Ironically, some state governments such as Indiana have implemented a wheel tax....a WHEEL TAX!) We must trust that the market will dicate to us, the consumers, what the best solution to any potential problems will be. It's sure as heck better than trusting Congress.

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

SouthernCal — Thu, 18 May 2006 09:07:41 -0000

Ultimately, there are bigger problems Congress should be worrying about...are there any documented cases of IPs blocking the consumer access with the internet of their choosing? Not that I've ever heard...so ultimately, why try and "fix" something if it isn't "broken"?

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

MRT — Thu, 18 May 2006 08:44:55 -0000

Net Neutrality laws would set a dangerous precedent. If we open the floodgates for the government to dicatate internet policy, there involvement will increase every time companies complain about who is winning and losing in the market. That is all that is going on, competition needs to continue in the internet.

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

Stevens33 — Thu, 18 May 2006 08:36:49 -0000

I am vary wary of any attempt by Congress to "fix" the supposed problems of a new technology or industry. Frankly, the interent is still new to Congress and relatively new to most Americans. It is a huge and unpredictable web that would likely act very poorly if regulated. I say let the web grow and develop. Don't try and regulate it before we know just what it will be.

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

watcher — Wed, 17 May 2006 20:57:32 -0000

My opinion is that regulation can always be instituted when there is a need, but once we open the door to the government it'll be impossible to get them out again if we realized we were wrong. So why should we jump the gun and regulate the Internet because of things that MIGHT happen. I say let's wait until it's been proven that regulation is the only solution.

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

Net Chick — Wed, 17 May 2006 20:17:46 -0000

Exactly! The government has no place in regulating the internet. Where will it stop? We as consumers will have to bear all the costs of net neutrality if it comes to pass. If Google wants to be listed higher on Verizon's website search engine, they should pay for it - Google just wants to get a free ride!

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

bulldog — Wed, 17 May 2006 19:23:40 -0000

I stand for freedom, dammit! :)

And I agree with Love2Box that regulation in moderation has it's time and place. In this case, however, it's unnecessary, burdensome and without merit.

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

Luv2Box — Wed, 17 May 2006 16:25:21 -0000

This puts another very good perspective on an issue that sometimes seems to go over my head. Regulation in moderation can be a good thing, but over-regulation and interference where it's not needed are two very different things. I love the fact that the Internet is so open. It takes on new technology and is constantly evolving and innovating and I really don't want to see that change!

Re: Why Communications and Media Markets Will Probably Never Be Deregulated

Daniel Ong — Wed, 10 May 2006 09:54:14 -0000

Here's a group to keep an eye on: The Silicon Flatirons Telecommunications Program at the University of Colorado Law School.

At one of their conferences I snuck into, it was recommended that companies have, in addition to technology and marketing strategies, a "regulatory strategy," or a plan to use regulation to their company's advantage and to their competitors' disadvantage (or risk being the victim of another company's regulatory strategy).

The overall trend since the ATT breakup might be toward more competition, but there is plenty of nuance and jockeying for position going on.