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Ars Technica is reporting on San Francisco's initial steps to create a citywide fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) open-access network where ISPs compete for customers.
According to Ars Technica:
San Francisco is trying to find network providers to build a city-wide, gigabit fiber Internet service with mandated net neutrality and consumer privacy protections. It would be an open-access network, allowing multiple ISPs to offer service over the same lines and compete for customers.
The city yesterday issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find companies that are qualified "to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain a ubiquitous broadband FTTP [fiber-to-the-premises] network that permits retail service providers to lease capacity on the network." The project would also involve a free Wi-Fi service for city parks, city buildings, major thoroughfares, and visitor areas. Low-income residents would qualify for subsidies that make home Internet service more affordable.
ISPs offering service over the network would not be allowed to block or throttle lawful Internet traffic or engage in paid prioritization. ISPs would also need customers' opt-in consent "prior to collecting, using, disclosing, or permitting access to customer personal information or information about a customer's use of the network."
Could this be the first major US metropolitan area to create a real free market in broadband Internet? Do any Soylentils have similar municipal networks?
(Score: 2) by NotSanguine on Monday February 05 2018, @09:51PM (5 children)
I'll repost the link to the Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism [wikipedia.org]
on the off chance you'll decide to educate yourself in the actual fact that "socialism" isn't one thing or one set of practices.
I am, as you are certainly aware Buzzard, if you've actually read the comments i've written to which you've responded, as well as many others, very much in favor of capitalism, competition and market-based solutions, except where they don't make sense.
You and I may disagree where they do and don't make sense, but I'm certainly not a Marxist (not even a Groucho-style one -- those guys give me a headache).
I brought up socialism not as "the" answer, but as an observation that many (including you at times, but certainly not always) use the term as a general pejorative, even when it has no bearing on the discussion -- such as this one.
And so, I again suggest that you educate yourself a bit as to what "socialism" *actually* is. If you choose not to do so, it's no skin off my nose either way.
No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr
(Score: 2) by The Mighty Buzzard on Monday February 05 2018, @10:17PM (2 children)
I know precisely what it is. Ownership of the means of productivity by the workers. Which, in practice, is rarely any such thing. Even when it is though, bucking the party line is a good way to become prematurely dead.
My rights don't end where your fear begins.
(Score: 2) by NotSanguine on Monday February 05 2018, @11:06PM (1 child)
Yep. That's one way that socialist ideas have been implemented, but not the *only* way. There are many others, many of which are meldings of capitalist and socialist ideas.
Should you wish to get a broader understanding of what's under the umbrella that encompasses "socialism," you're perfectly capable of doing so without my (or anyone else's) help.
I suggested that you might like to do so, as it would likely give both your rhetorical vocabulary and your understanding of other (including capitalism) ideas more depth and breadth. Just sayin'.
No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr
(Score: 2) by The Mighty Buzzard on Monday February 05 2018, @11:09PM
That's not "one way", yo. That's the definition of the thing. That's what it means, even if people want to go around misusing the word.
My rights don't end where your fear begins.
(Score: 2) by The Mighty Buzzard on Monday February 05 2018, @11:18PM (1 child)
Sorry but I have to double reply here. I can't stand by and let a slight on Groucho go. He was quite possibly the funniest man who ever lived, even if Harpo's "hold my leg" gag always makes me laugh the hardest.
My rights don't end where your fear begins.
(Score: 2) by NotSanguine on Monday February 05 2018, @11:24PM
I respect your opinion, Buzzard. My disdain for those guys just means more for you. ;)
No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr