Thread by @gigibsohn

So tired of @lawandeconomics argument that poor people just don't want #broadband & we don't know why. Why don't more people participate in #Lifeline? Maybe bc the subsidy is tiny & the Trump @FCC did its level best to make it hard to get. wired.com/story/opinion-…. #SubCommTech

@lawandeconomics @FCC I also invite anybody to go to their local library & wait a few hours to use the computers with free Internet access. #SubCommTech

@lawandeconomics @FCC Those with their hair aflame over "government-run broadband" seem unaware that the most common models today are public-private partnerships & open access networks which give commercial ISPs the opportunity to provide connectivity outside their service areas. #SubCommTech

@lawandeconomics @FCC .@joitweets makes a key point & @lawandeconomics seems to agree: there will always be some in the US who need subsidies to be able to afford #broadband. This is true even if competition & other mechanisms result in lower prices. #SubCommTech

@lawandeconomics @FCC @joitweets More incentives are needed for the private sector to close the #digitaldivide? Over past decade, the fed'l gov't has spent $50B & still tens of millions lack #broadband. There are places the private sector won't serve, which is 1 reason we need #community networks #SubCommTech

@lawandeconomics @FCC @joitweets As @ChrisJ_Lewis notes, #broadband price transparency is key to ensuring that consumers are aware of hidden fees. It's also key to crafting a flexible & appropriate permanent benefit for low-income people. @SubCommTech

@lawandeconomics @FCC @joitweets @ChrisJ_Lewis To those decrying funding for high speed, future-proof #broadband networks - do you want to look back 10 years from now & wonder why (once again) so many in rural America have slow, inadequate networks? Because that's what you are advocating. #SubCommTech

@lawandeconomics @FCC @joitweets @ChrisJ_Lewis Why isn't anyone talking about this wildly successful open access community #broadband network in Utah? UTOPIA network provides Utahans with a choice of an average of 10 (!!!) ISPs. bbcmag.com/community-broa…
#SubCommTech

@lawandeconomics @FCC @joitweets @ChrisJ_Lewis For a list of more successful community #broadband networks, see this great website by @communitynets ilsr.org/broadband-2/ #SubCommTech