This article about taxpayer-funded public wifi networks touches upon a topic I've been discussing with yawning acquaintances for years. Namely, the fact that certain industries should made public, because they form the underpinnings of the economy. Power, water, and transportation industries allow other industries to function- without them, the economy goes belly up. I think that these utilities are too important to be for-profit, there are plenty of profits to be made in other endeavors which are made possible by the regular, regulated delivery of services. In my tirades and exhortations, I'd often refer to these factors as "metaeconomic", but that term has a previously accepted meaning.
By making cheap public wifi available, small businesses would be able to compete more readily, schools and libraries would be able to reduce the expenses associated with textbooks and class materials. Even though the telecom corporations that are currently providing internet service would suffer a loss of profits (though they could be forced by competition to innovate to increase data transmission speeds and to otherwise improve services), other sectors of the economy would benefit. Similarly, public health coverage would remove a significant barrier to the creation small businesses and entrepeneurs, namely the prohibitive cost of health insurance (my workplace had their yearly enrollment meeting today).
Of course, I don't think that the introduction of public wifi will be implemented. As I opined above, cheap, taxpayer funded wifi would force the current telecom providers to improve their services, and it's a lot easier to pay lobbyists to crush competition. Here in the U.S., we just can't have nice things, it seems.
Just a quick, slightly goofy post hastily put up because I'm in a lazy mood...
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9 comments:
People keep misunderstanding this proposal. And it's critical to understand what we're talking about here.
Genachowski isn't suggesting the government provide wireless broadband services. THAT would be socialism - we can't go there. What he IS proposing, which is important, is that some amount of spectrum remain in the public realm, available to be used by anyone for any purpose. This is the same concept that resulted in baby monitors and garage door openers.
So, if Julius wins, some organizations might build high powered wifi towers with some legs. They might or might not charge for these services. Local governments could choose to provide universal free wireless broadband, but there is NO reason to believe they would have the independence and funding to do so. More likely they would partner with the local broadband monopoly and life won't change a great deal.
It's a good idea, WAY better than the alternative, but in no way a game changer...
so no public beer utility?
so no public beer utility?
Will we never become a truly civilized society!?
THAT would be socialism - we can't go there.
Maybe we should.
Our socialism for the rich/capitalism for the rest of us model isn't working so well.
~
Tesla had technology that could bounce beer off the ionosphere and deliver it anywhere within 100 km without pipes, but it was suppressed by Amheuser-Busch.
Maybe we should.
I don't think there's any doubt.
So, what's the plan for getting there? Voting Green won't do it.
General Motors suppressed the engine that could go 100 miles on a bottle of beer but nobody minded because what a waste of beer.
The current R&D projects all focus on the Beer Hybrid propulsion system, where the driver drinks the beer and the engine runs entirely on farts.
This is called the Organic Bio-Methane Conversion System and patents are pending.
Of course, we're now working on a much more powerful green cardboard tree pine-scented car deodorizer that you can hang from your rear-view. We'd like to see it as part of the standard equipment list...
So, if Julius wins, some organizations might build high powered wifi towers with some legs. They might or might not charge for these services. Local governments could choose to provide universal free wireless broadband, but there is NO reason to believe they would have the independence and funding to do so. More likely they would partner with the local broadband monopoly and life won't change a great deal.
Darn, we really can't have nice things, can we?
so no public beer utility?
When the public water systems were built to carry water from higher ground to Amsterdam, the tap water was dubbed "municipal pils" by the locals.
Will we never become a truly civilized society!?
No ham trees either...
Our socialism for the rich/capitalism for the rest of us model isn't working so well.
Internalize the profits, externalize the losses!
Tesla had technology that could bounce beer off the ionosphere and deliver it anywhere within 100 km without pipes, but it was suppressed by Amheuser-Busch.
Broadcast pilsner? Teleporteration?
So, what's the plan for getting there? Voting Green won't do it.
Voting Red!
General Motors suppressed the engine that could go 100 miles on a bottle of beer but nobody minded because what a waste of beer.
They need to develop a piss-fueled car, because there's no worse feeling than driving down the road with a bladder full to bursting and a damn-near empty tank.
The current R&D projects all focus on the Beer Hybrid propulsion system, where the driver drinks the beer and the engine runs entirely on farts.
Man, I could drive all the way to Smut Clyde's house with such a vehicle.
Of course, we're now working on a much more powerful green cardboard tree pine-scented car deodorizer that you can hang from your rear-view. We'd like to see it as part of the standard equipment list...
I'd prefer a tavern scented one!
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