🚀 go-pugleaf

On 15 Apr 1996 03:03:35 GMT, Tommy the Terrorist <u58563@uic.edu>
wrote:

>In article <3171758c.1541757@news.enteract.com> Josh Landess,
>jlandess@starnetinc.com writes:
>>The net, like anything else, has inherent limitations.  There is only
>>a certain amount of data that its can handle in its present form.
>   If "market forces" were set to drive Internet prices up, the long
>distance companies wouldn't be demanding this censorship of their rivals,
>now would they?  The simple fact is that when you pay for a dialup
>account with an Internet Provider, you pay for all the access you can
>cram down a 28.8k modem line.  Whether it's those silly pictures on the
>Netscape Home Page, or a telephone conversation, that amount of bandwidth
>is used up for most of the time you're on-line.  Notice that the I-phone
>connection goes via that modem; hence, it uses substantially less
>bandwidth than an ISDN line, which is what effectively is used up by one
>standard telephone conversation.  You use 28.8k with I-phone, versus 64k
>for the standard.  What the phone companies want banned, therefore, is
>the Internet Provider's ability to offer people a wider range of options
>as to how much voice quality they are willing to sacrifice in order to
>get a cheaper connection!

 I was not aware of the differences in bandwidth, but was simply
looking at supply and demand.  If I am able to speak long distance
using my isp on a regular basis and others increasingly do this, then
I suspect the price will go up. Even if supply is increased I do not
at present see how it can keep pace with demand.

>  This is absolutely contrary to the spirit of
>the "Free Market" propaganda we hear spouted from every politician's
>lips, but of course, wholly in the spirit of what they actually intend.

>   Note also that the Free Market does not force people to get a good
>deal.  If people like you are willing to meekly acquiesce to rate
>increases and service cuts, 

 I do not want to pay higher prices but am trying to remain cognizant
of the forces at work.

>this will DEFINE the new demand curve, and
>cause those increases and cuts.  Whereas those who shop around for the
>best deal benefit not only themselves, but all other consumers as well,
>by rewarding good companies for good service.

Josh

This Message was voice-dictated.