[somewhat off-topic] Comcast and Verizon

[Jerry Feldman]

On 10/28/2009 04:51 PM, Randy Cole wrote:
> Jerry Feldman wrote:
>  =20
>> This underscores a real issue. Phones are generally covered by state a=
nd
>> local jurisdictions. ISPs are generally not covered by local and state=

>> jurisdictions, and cable TV providers are covered by local jurisdictio=
ns.
>> While Comcast & RCN physical cables and TV services are covered by the=

>> town, the ISP is not. In more recent years since local phone service m=
ay
>> be regular land line run by the local phone company, or wireless, or I=
SP
>> (Comcast, RCN), or VOIP, there is a significant conflict between
>> jurisdictions. Last year of so there was some bill pending in the stat=
e
>> legislature that was intended to make some changes, but I think that g=
ot
>> shot down. This is why every town has its own telephone CO. It is real=
ly
>> a legal hodge podge that dates back to the days before dial phones whe=
n
>> every call was operator assisted.
>>    =20
> Most legislation is focused on extending the Universal Service Fees to
> VOIP, and collecting sales tax ("Use Fees") on internet purchases, whic=
h
> is unconstitutional.  Or whatever the company lobbyists direct the hack=
s
> to do.
>  =20
That is new legislation. The issue is existing regulation.

--=20
Jerry Feldman <gaf-mNDKBlG2WHs at public.gmane.org>
Boston Linux and Unix
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