In response to the Perspectives column written by J. William Gurley, "One nation under Internet Protocol ":
I really appreciated Bill Gurley's analysis of the Internet infrastructure. However, I noted a pointed lack of discussion of the refusal of cable companies to grant access to competitors, such as that legislated for regional Bell operating companies (RBOCs).
Is it because cable companies have lobbied legislators so well to prevent legislation from granting access to cable lines? Even the carve-out the RBOCs have generated for themselves, exempting access for competitors from new infrastructure builds, offers an additional safe haven for cable companies.
Good for investors? Look at the numbers! Bad for consumers? Any monopoly is bad for consumers, since it reduces or eliminates competition.
The monopoly franchise granted to cable companies by state and local authorities should lead to candidates who promise to open up competition on behalf of consumers. Costs will come down, more services will be offered, and consumers will benefit.
Barry Dennis
Timonium, Md.