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

[Leah Symekher]

Hello David,

Please add me to the list. Thanks.

-- 
Leah Symekher
SFBay Area ISOC Chapter


On 4/11/16 11:49 PM, Dave Burstein wrote:
> 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, 
> Getting It Noticed (Peachpit)
>
>
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