Broadband and DSL Issues

New Networks Institute has done extensive research in the area of Broadband and DSL.

BROADBAND ROLLOUT FAILURES

As we enter the 21st century, the sparkle of our new fiber-optic future suddenly fades to a dull copper tone --- the color of the three-quarters of a century old phone network based on copper wiring that is still in use today.

Our fiber-optic future was supposed to be here by now. Starting in the 1980's and continuing throughout the 1990's, the Bells convinced state and federal regulators that if they changed laws to give them more money, they would use these funds to replace the aging copper network --- with a fabulous fiber-optic network and wondrous new applications. In fact, by the year 2000, more than half of American homes were supposed to have been upgraded to a glassy future ---- a future with very high-speed broadband.

Instead, the Bell companies have been able to keep the money in the form of higher prices for service. We estimate that over $120 billion dollars in excess payments have been collected in the name of Broadband.

We also contend that the downward turn of the Tech sector and thus the current financial recession was caused in a large part because the Bells never fulfilled their obligations, as well as the documented harm to competitors.

Stunningly Bad Regulations by the FCC

The FCC is also seriously to blame for the current situation with the lack of fiber-based broadband in the US. They have consistently created laws to block competition. Most recently, the FCC has created the "Triennial Review" which closes out competitors from using the customer-financed networks and gives private companies, the Bell companies, the exclusive us of fiber-based networks, as well as shutting down 'line-sharing' which allows Internet providers and competitive local phone companies to use even the older copper . networks

For a complete bibliography of the work New Networks Institute and Teletruth, including reports, FCC Comments and complaints, as well as links to other related sources See: 
http://www.newnetworks.com/Collected%20Broadband%20Information.htm

For a shorter list of related broadband items see: 
http://www.newnetworks.com/Bellsfailedfiberopticdeployments.html

For a glance at our work on this topic.

Broadband, VOIP, and Competitive Issues: