tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10021039.post111369290315966875..comments2023-05-12T10:57:46.378-04:00Comments on Citizens Band: U.S. Lagging on BroadbandJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11567651866214611434noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10021039.post-1113755563374050572005-04-17T12:32:00.000-04:002005-04-17T12:32:00.000-04:00US broadband deployments have been hampered by cum...US broadband deployments have been hampered by cumbersome regulation over the years. ILECs (incumbent phone companies) were forced to lease their DSL lines to competitive LECs under archaic rules such as UNE (unbundled network element) in the hope of fostering broadband competition. However, the FCC deemed this necessary only in the DSL domain and not for cable networks (which were seen to be providing "information services" as opposed to "telecommunication services"). A couple of years ago, the FCC ruled that packet-switched networks (like IP) were no longer bound by unbundling provisions. In a more recent ruling, the FCC also eased up on its UNE restrictions. In fact, ILECs will be exempt from unbundling obligations for their FTTH (Fiber to the Home) networks. Once the phone companies have figured out the economics and begin deployment of FTTH services, we should be in broadband nirvana! But given the speed at which the ILECs have traditionally moved, I wouldn't hold my breath.Jack Nargundkarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12911315978433702263noreply@blogger.com