I’m not sure how I feel about this. Allowing ISPs to decide what counts as an affordable option seems like it will get abused quickly. On the other hand, states like NY that mandate the price be $15, doesn’t reflect the reality that inflation happens and the price can’t stay $15 forever.
The grant money is specifically for equity and access. It subsidizes the $15 plans. If the ISP doesn't want to offer cheap plans, they don't have to accept the grant money.
I thought that communications/broadband costs have generally reduced in price (or at least got faster for the same price) and I don't see why that trend won't continue for at least the next couple of decades.
To give an exact example of what the WhiteHouse stands against.
Broadband funds from the last administration led to an open fiber provider trenching the neighborhood. I gained worthwhile ISP competition and 2Gb low-latency symmetrical for $80/mo.
A 2nd fiber provider is hanging line from the poles.
Our neighborhood has real competition now, instead of a monopoly (or duopoly).
Genuine competition infuriates the Whitehouse - which is threatening to bring the power of US Gov to bear against it.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. Allowing ISPs to decide what counts as an affordable option seems like it will get abused quickly. On the other hand, states like NY that mandate the price be $15, doesn’t reflect the reality that inflation happens and the price can’t stay $15 forever.
The grant money is specifically for equity and access. It subsidizes the $15 plans. If the ISP doesn't want to offer cheap plans, they don't have to accept the grant money.
The latter can get better with adjustment and wisdom because governments exist to benefit people - including consumers, customers, etc.
The former will never get better. Publicly held corporations exist to exploit consumers, customers etc.
I thought that communications/broadband costs have generally reduced in price (or at least got faster for the same price) and I don't see why that trend won't continue for at least the next couple of decades.
To give an exact example of what the WhiteHouse stands against.
Broadband funds from the last administration led to an open fiber provider trenching the neighborhood. I gained worthwhile ISP competition and 2Gb low-latency symmetrical for $80/mo.
A 2nd fiber provider is hanging line from the poles.
Our neighborhood has real competition now, instead of a monopoly (or duopoly).
Genuine competition infuriates the Whitehouse - which is threatening to bring the power of US Gov to bear against it.
Surely it's the entrenched broadband companies that are making the Whitehouse do this. Government for the corporations, by the corporations.