FCC proposes large public WiFi networks

[Conan71]

How do you see this as the government taking over the internet?

Well there is the whole "The federal government wants to create super WiFi networks across the nation" and free access to the internet thing.  The article seems to indicate that would be exactly what would happen unless the article was poorly written or my critical reading skills have gone to pot.

[Townsend]

Well there is the whole "The federal government wants to create super WiFi networks across the nation" and free access to the internet thing.  The article seems to indicate that would be exactly what would happen unless the article was poorly written or my critical reading skills have gone to pot.

You mean by allowing access for the general public?

The airwaves that FCC officials want to hand over to the public would be much more powerful than existing WiFi networks that have become common in households. They could penetrate thick concrete walls and travel over hills and around trees. If all goes as planned, free access to the Web would be available in just about every metropolitan area and in many rural areas.

I'm not seeing the conspiracies here.

[Gaspar]

Well there is the whole "The federal government wants to create super WiFi networks across the nation" and free access to the internet thing.  The article seems to indicate that would be exactly what would happen unless the article was poorly written or my critical reading skills have gone to pot.

[Gaspar]

You mean by allowing access for the general public?

I'm not seeing the conspiracies here.

That's the point.  There are no conspiracies.  The intent is quite well spelled out.

[Townsend]

That's the point.  There are no conspiracies.  The intent is quite well spelled out.

Yes, I see how that is horrible.

[Gaspar]

Yes, I see how that is horrible.

Towney, we perceive the bandwidth available today as significant and amazing, just as we thought a 9600 modem was freekin amazing when we replaced our 1200s.
Take private industry out of the equation, and you will retard innovation, and ultimately make access less affordable and highly regulated. Government will not simply flip a switch on transceivers and walk away.  They will either build enormous bureaucracies and commissions, or they will subsidize existing providers to provide the service.  When that happens all incentive to advance technology slows or halts, and subsidized providers for equipment and service become monopolistic.  

Not really sure why we keep having to learn this lesson, but I suppose it's not a popular subject in schools any more.

[Townsend]

Towney, we perceive the bandwidth available today as significant and amazing, just as we thought a 9600 modem was freekin amazing when we replaced our 1200s.
Take private industry out of the equation, and you will retard innovation, and ultimately make access less affordable and highly regulated. Government will not simply flip a switch on transceivers and walk away.  They will either build enormous bureaucracies and commissions, or they will subsidize existing providers to provide the service.  When that happens all incentive to advance technology slows or halts, and subsidized providers for equipment and service become monopolistic.  

Not really sure why we keep having to learn this lesson, but I suppose it's not a popular subject in schools any more.

This is in addition to the existing...are you reading a different article?

[Conan71]

This is in addition to the existing...are you reading a different article?

But the argument is that it could possibly interfere with or cripple existing 4G signal.  And if a fast wi-fi is available for free, why would anyone in their right mind still pay for a private service?

[Townsend]

But the argument is that it could possibly interfere with or cripple existing 4G signal.  And if a fast wi-fi is available for free, why would anyone in their right mind still pay for a private service?

It's in the article.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Why on Earth would anyone want the government to take over internet service??

Who said anything about taking over the internet?  It is a proposal to provide the service on a wide basis.  Wouldn't stop you or anyone else from getting their own if you thought there was a benefit above and beyond...
 

By the way, you do remember where the whole internet thing came from don't you?  The government....

[Gaspar]

 

By the way, you do remember where the whole internet thing came from don't you?  The government....

If they had known it would become an unregulated tool of commerce, I believe that would be very different today. 

[Red Arrow]

And if a fast wi-fi is available for free, why would anyone in their right mind still pay for a private service?

We could make it free only if someone qualifies for Food Stamps.

[Townsend]

And if a fast wi-fi is available for free, why would anyone in their right mind still pay for a private service?

What's wrong with using the free wifi?

[Gaspar]

What's wrong with using the free wifi?

[Townsend]

I'm sure everyone's pleased that you are against open free wifi.

I'm sure it's big government, poor people, or someone on welfare who's out to get you.