De Blasio Makes $70M Commitment Toward Universal Broadband In NYC

Re:De Blasio Makes $70M Commitment Toward Universal Broadban... by wdewind on Monday May 04, 2015 @03:18PM (#9488393)

> If more competition were introduced beyond the sporadic RCN and Verizon FiOS available to some buildings, it might bring down prices for all.

How would you suggest that happen outside of something like this?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:De Blasio Makes $70M Commitment Toward Universal Broadban... by blisterpeanuts on Monday May 04, 2015 @05:12PM (#9489227)

- Reduce taxation on broadband and telecommunications services.

- Reduce the costs and restrictions on cabling neighborhoods

- Cut taxes and regulations on businesses to encourage more start-ups including in poor neighborhoods.

Spending $70 million to give free broadband to 25,000 residences is (expensive) wishful thinking that doesn't encourage job growth or invite new investors into the city. If anything, it will repel investors by sending the message that the city prefers to subsidize the poor and ignore the working class and middle class.

The city could also invite Google Fiber to come and set up shop, and that will drive down prices real fast. Nothing like a little innovation and competition to shake things up, as has been demonstrated in Kansas City, Austin and other areas where Google has either moved in or merely threatened to move in.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:De Blasio Makes $70M Commitment Toward Universal Broadban... by Frondo on Monday May 04, 2015 @05:15PM (#9489251)

On what basis do you think that taxation on broadband/telecom services is so burdensome that no one new enters that market?

And on what basis do you think that taxation is preventing start-ups from moving into poor neigborhoods?

[ Parent | on HN ]