I'm not sure I agree with all the logic in this article?
Higher Prices: This is not a deregulation, surely it would make AT&T have to compete with other VOIP services? The issue are the necessary safety/security services and hiw these are not well governed in the TCP/IP world?
Service Disruptions: I can't see how both AT&T and smaller operators both using public IP would disrupt? I think there's a trade off between between price and quality of service, those that go with a Cadillac service vs those that know they are getting a slower service albeit at a lower rate?
Inequality and discrimination: This on eis an issue, it's the Governance of "essential service", My sense is the legislation needs to change to a) Force this be be carried over IP (I know there are technical issues) b) Subsidize or keep a lid on prices?
On your point regarding higher prices: I think the idea is that AT&T would be able to charge whatever access fees they want for service to rural and low income areas. They would have to compete with other VoIP services, sure, but those services need to be delivered over some infrastructure.
Re higher prices; the recent evidence in in California where the Public Utility Commission decided to no longer regulate tariffs for normal phone service, I believe they still have a tariff for low cost service for low income households. Not surprisingly, AT&T has raised their prices. Sure there's some competition, but I can't continue DSL service from my preferred ISP (Sonic.net) without an AT&T land line, because I'm behind a remote terminal.
Higher Prices: This is not a deregulation, surely it would make AT&T have to compete with other VOIP services? The issue are the necessary safety/security services and hiw these are not well governed in the TCP/IP world?
Service Disruptions: I can't see how both AT&T and smaller operators both using public IP would disrupt? I think there's a trade off between between price and quality of service, those that go with a Cadillac service vs those that know they are getting a slower service albeit at a lower rate?
Inequality and discrimination: This on eis an issue, it's the Governance of "essential service", My sense is the legislation needs to change to a) Force this be be carried over IP (I know there are technical issues) b) Subsidize or keep a lid on prices?