Line Sharing Not Dead Yet
from the token-agreement dept
After the FCC removed the requirement for Bells to share their lines with competitors, many pointed out that those competitors could still negotiate line sharing agreements on their own. However, with the Bells significantly overpricing line sharing (monopoly power does wonders), it didn’t seem like many deals were forthcoming. Covad was one competitor that, while also looking at alternative technologies, took some of the Baby Bells to court for anti-trust violations. Today comes the news that they’ve settled with both Verizon and MCI (separately, of course, as they’re two separate companies for another few days or so) and will be able to resell lines at a set price. Of course, from the telco side this probably makes sense. They get a lawsuit off of their back and they have a token line sharing customer they can point to as evidence that they’re not holding back competition. Though, if you’re Covad right now, it seems pretty likely that you’re not relying on this agreement and are actively working to push forward with wireless broadband to route around the telcos.
Comments on “Line Sharing Not Dead Yet”
Line Share
Why should the Bells have to share the lines that they own? If someone wants to start a Phone Company tell then to start putting in poles and hang their OWN cable, not ride on the coat tails of some one else
Line Share
Good news Derek, at&t has rolled out fiber to the node in Indianapolis. It will be in 50% of the market in 2 years.
For Rick, Check out gregsimo.com
No Subject Given
The FCC makes FEMA look like well-organized, visionary, geniuses.