re: Net Neutrality -- What You Need To Know

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so no access to internet is better than a very slightly slanted access to internet?

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I do not believe it will be slightly slanted, I believe it will be within 5 years very slanted.

And 81% of the population has internet access. To give you comparison (91% have a cell phone, 83% have cable).

I don't know if making it more affordable will actually increase penetration that much. I am going to bet some portion of that 19% that doesn't have it, doesn't want it (i.e. old people).

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if they can expand their customer base while (1) having the plans subsidized by power users and (2) have the plans corporate sponsored, there is a major incentive to offer cheap plans. that's typically what happens in these models

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While the telcos aren't quite monopolies, they are pretty close. Most markets only have one or two options for internet, the telcos have almost total control of prices (thus why internet costs so much in the US). Monopolies are not known for inventive pricing schemes, instead they generally do one thing - raise prices.

To think if we just give these telcos the right to discriminate traffic and they will lower our prices is just absurd. Look at the margins on these telcos!

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tech companies have shown quite often that they will offer cheap, subsidized devices if possible

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Telco!=high tech. They are not the same at all. First off, most high tech markets have some competition in them. So offering subsidized devices makes sense, since you can lower the acquisition costs.

And the cable companies could offer ad supported services now to lower prices and they don't.

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i'll almost bet you that you'll have this option with a more free internet. it may take time, but there are going to be a multitude of plans, from the apex/most expensive (unlimited usage/sites) to very cheap (very limited use/limited sites) plans...and all the shades of grey inbetween.

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Sure there will be plans, but the telcos are going to go after every part of your digital life and try to squeeze providers. They will be a defacto tax that all businesses have to pony up to reach consumers. Its a bad thing for everyone but telco shareholders, and even then I think its of dubious value. The telcos are lining up for a blockbuster style flop. As soon as people have another option they are going to bolt.