ISPs Fight To Keep Broadband Gaps Secret

Aaron writes "Broadband Reports notes how Maryland was working on a law that would force ISPs to show exactly where they offer service and at what speed. The goal was to help map coverage gaps, since FCC broadband data is worthless for this purpose. Cable and phone company lobbyists have scuttled the plan, convincing state leaders the plan would bring 'competitive harm,' 'stifle innovation,' and even close local coffee shops. Of course the real reason is they don't want the public to know what criteria they use to determine the financial viability of your neighborhood — as they cherry-pick only the most lucrative areas for next-generation services. The Center for Public Integrity is trying to obtain the unreleased raw FCC penetration data, but these companies are also fighting this tooth and nail."

Comments

Wouldn't it be nice?

[cdrguru]

If broadband providers were able to openly and fairly compete on quality of service alone? If everyone had equal access to multiple providers at high speeds without any reference to where they were physically located or how affluent their neighbors were?

Wouldn't it be nice if the services were completely open and yet blocked spam, viruses, and malware? With just a little bit of intelligence so that ports were blocked for bad things and open for good things?

Wouldn't it be nice if this service cost no more than it actually cost to provide the service, perhaps with a minimal profit for the provider but not too much?

How about if the Canadian government (always better than the US at social programs) came in and provided broadband internet service to everyone in the US?

Yup, it would be nice. Take another toke and dream on.