I'll run the risk seeming very stupid here, but doesn't QoS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality_of_service also refer to multiconstraint routing (think SAMCRA)? That is, instead of just providing best effort (what ipv4 does) also being able to build connections that guarantee a certain jitter or delay?
A network with the ability to do that in addition to normal tcp/ip connection would be able to provide, for instance, a decent phone conversation over that network. Or, say, streaming video. I would definitely not object. And any law that would hinder progress in this direction does not seem like a good idea.
In addition, isn't there a regulatory body that makes sure the telcos aren't behaving too badly?
What most people seem to forget is that the EU started out as a trade federation with the explicit goal of creating one, open, european market. This is why, in the last two decades, so many of the utilities in Europe have been privatized. This is why the euro has been introduced. This is why people in the richer countries are so terrified of Polish cheap labor being made available*. All because of the (perceived?) benefit of that huge european market.
In this light it boggles the mind that it has taken them so long to crack down on Microsoft.
The OEM deals would never have been accepted if they were in any other industry. Imagine going to the supermarket (Dell) to buy the ingredients for pasta you're cooking (your new laptop). When you're checking out you notice you're also paying for a six pack of crappy beer (XP whatever-edition). However, you do not drink or would prefer a good bottle of wine. Then it turns out that, well, since nearly everyone drinks the same crappy beer, it's been added to your shopping list and you have no choice but to pay for the beer. Would anyone accept this?
At least you can toss away the beer and get some free coffee (Ubuntu).
* Because, honestly, we're the rich guys and no else should be. The richer european countries have no moral obligation to their eastern neighbours whatsoever. [/irony]
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I'll run the risk seeming very stupid here, but doesn't QoS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality_of_service also refer to multiconstraint routing (think SAMCRA)? That is, instead of just providing best effort (what ipv4 does) also being able to build connections that guarantee a certain jitter or delay?
A network with the ability to do that in addition to normal tcp/ip connection would be able to provide, for instance, a decent phone conversation over that network. Or, say, streaming video. I would definitely not object. And any law that would hinder progress in this direction does not seem like a good idea.
In addition, isn't there a regulatory body that makes sure the telcos aren't behaving too badly?
What most people seem to forget is that the EU started out as a trade federation with the explicit goal of creating one, open, european market. This is why, in the last two decades, so many of the utilities in Europe have been privatized. This is why the euro has been introduced. This is why people in the richer countries are so terrified of Polish cheap labor being made available*. All because of the (perceived?) benefit of that huge european market.
In this light it boggles the mind that it has taken them so long to crack down on Microsoft.
The OEM deals would never have been accepted if they were in any other industry. Imagine going to the supermarket (Dell) to buy the ingredients for pasta you're cooking (your new laptop). When you're checking out you notice you're also paying for a six pack of crappy beer (XP whatever-edition). However, you do not drink or would prefer a good bottle of wine. Then it turns out that, well, since nearly everyone drinks the same crappy beer, it's been added to your shopping list and you have no choice but to pay for the beer. Would anyone accept this?
At least you can toss away the beer and get some free coffee (Ubuntu).
* Because, honestly, we're the rich guys and no else should be. The richer european countries have no moral obligation to their eastern neighbours whatsoever. [/irony]