🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <55c0k1$2rf@clarknet.clark.net>,
Stephen Balbach <stephen@clark.net> wrote:
}>The heavy usage is already taking it's toll on the east and west
}>coasts -- and I've experienced problems making calls in the DC area.
}>
}>What's next?
}
}RBOC's will open up the CO, ISP's will put in private switching equipment
}and off-load traffic before it hits the PSTN. Convert to packet-switching
}at the source and its problem solved. 

Not likely.  The RBOCs don't want flat-rate internet at all-- at
least, not at $20/month.  They want to be able to charge by the byte
or by the minute (note the price of current ISDN lines, for instance).
So they'll refuse any option which provides only a flat rate, and when
the ISPs respond by continuing to use the PSTN, they'll continue to
create bogeymen like the reports from Bell Atlantic and PacBell.  If
crying wolf doesn't work, they'll start neglecting upgrades to COs in areas
where major ISPs are located in order to CREATE problems -- then go
crying to the regulators and blame them on the ISPs.
-- 
Matthew T. Russotto                                russotto@pond.com
"Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, and moderation in pursuit
of justice is no virtue."