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Re:Talk of an Internet Fast Lane Is Already Hurting Some Sta... by mgkimsal on Wednesday May 07, 2014 @06:44AM (#7709473)
"Building more won't enable them to charge their customers more"

Why not? If I'm noticing slowdowns due to saturation, and my ISP said "we're expanding in your area and upgrading equipment, capacity, etc, but it's going to add another $9/month on your bill" of course I'd pay it. A) I'd have no choice and B) I want better service.

Re:Talk of an Internet Fast Lane Is Already Hurting Some Sta... by myhf on Wednesday May 07, 2014 @09:01AM (#7709869)
And if you noticed slowdowns due to traffic shaping and your ISP with their government-enforced monopoly said, "We're racketeering. It's going to add another $9/month on your bill." of course you'd pay it. You'd have no choice.

Building more capacity and offering better service doesn't really enter into the picture in most American cities.

Re:Talk of an Internet Fast Lane Is Already Hurting Some Sta... by mncolinlee on Wednesday May 07, 2014 @11:35AM (#7710730)
Point to even a single example or you earned every downvote you get.

I know a lot of people hate the "government," but it's no more rational than hating "corporations." Which government? Why? My impression of US government ISPs from college campuses is that most leave a wide open pipe for pretty much free use with few exceptions. Many forget that the Internet was entirely given away to private interests by the government. Most public ISPs are understaffed and may at worst limit something by accident while targeting illegal activity.

Re:Talk of an Internet Fast Lane Is Already Hurting Some Sta... by pjc50 on Wednesday May 07, 2014 @06:49AM (#7709491)
I suspect few people will - and there's a limit to this, if they add $9 every few months for a different service, eventually you will refuse to pay $$$/month for the service.

Imagine if every speed upgrade from 56k modems had also come with a price increase.

Re:Talk of an Internet Fast Lane Is Already Hurting Some Sta... by mratzloff on Wednesday May 07, 2014 @08:45AM (#7709798)
Every few months? That's not what he said.
Re:Talk of an Internet Fast Lane Is Already Hurting Some Sta... by pjc50 on Wednesday May 07, 2014 @09:15AM (#7709934)
No, it's not, but if they can increment prices once, why not again? If they can announce extra billing for "infrastructure upgrades" every few years, why not more frequently?

Boil the frog as fast as possible. After all, where would it go?