[Chapter-delegates] Announcing: The Informal U.S. Chapters Policy discussion email list

[Dave Burstein]

Folks

As discussed at the North American chapter call, we're starting a new,
informal group to discuss what the chapters can do in U.S. policy. It will
have no official role and cannot bind the chapters. Each chapter should
decide for itself what actions to take.

It's open to anyone but let's keep the scope narrow: policy positions about
the U.S. (and Canada if the Canadians want to join in.)

I volunteered to get things started and I'll maintain the list, probably as
a Google group. (Better ideas welcome.)

I suggest we start with something central to bringing the Internet to
everyone in the U.S.: the new program to offer a $9.25 subsidy to the poor.
I've reported broadband since 1999 and wrote a book on DSL

I think this is a sensible proposal because ot more than covers the cost to
add another customer to most networks with facilities in place, including
all the large carriers that have ~94% of U.S. broadband. Broadband networks
are a classic example of high fixed cost and low marginal cost. Once the
network is built, it costs $4-8 to add another customer. Comcast freely
offers a $10/month service for the poor and is reporting record profits. I
take that as evidence other carriers can do similar.

I'm going to propose to the New York Chapter a resolution addressing two
current issues. The House Commerce Committee is proposing a cap that
probably means a third of those eligible could not be funded. Some
companies are resisting joining. Verizon doesn't want to connect anyone for
less than ~$70/month, twice the regular price in much of Europe. I think
the FCC should not approve items like the merger of Charter and Time Warner
unless they agree to support the program. That would offer 10/1 internet to
a quarter of the nation's poor. (Sure, I'd like better but that is an
important improvement.) I'll see what the other NY members think.

Other ideas welcome. For now, just send me an email and you're on the list.

Thanks
Dave Burstein
New York Chapter



-- 
Editor, Fast Net News, Net Policy News and DSL Prime
Author with Jennie Bourne  DSL (Wiley) and Web Video: Making It Great,
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