Nickname: Bob

Review: The Cable companies initally just provided TV service and their network was not set up to transfer data. This has changed and they should have to change. Verizon's network has been set up from the ground up to transfer data. They should charge for bandwidth and not force their users to use their TV service when their users might want to use a competing TV service by a provider over the Internet. This world is finally moving towards broadband data access, not copper lines for phones, coax lines for tv, and OTA for radio. This is a good thing. Not only should Verizon, Comcast and other telcos and cable cos have to provide net neutral data access BUT The EM spectrum used for everything from Over the Air TV, HDTV, radio, digital radio, cell phones, CB radio, etc, should all be put back in the public domain. Then a new wireless broadband network should be created allowing new devices to access radio, HDTV, etc, streams over the internet from anywhere in the world.

Date reviewed: Jul 17, 2007 8:44 PM

Nickname: objective observer

Review: If Google thinks Verizon should not charge anyone for the use of its network, does that mean Google will stop charging everyone for advertising? Of course not. Google makes its profit from advertising. Verizon makes its profit from providing services over its network. It's called capitalism. What's next, Cesar Chavez as chairman of the FCC?

Date reviewed: Mar 27, 2007 6:41 PM

Nickname: vampares

Review: Content providers have traditionally paid for the upload side of the internet. The lower cost consumer connections have been lower cost because of slower speeds, lower throughput and supplemental revenues such as advertising. Verizon's television services may supply such revenues but to preempt other sources of media or digital services impeds upon the rights of other businesses. Finding sensible ways to lower costs is in everyones best intrest.

Date reviewed: Mar 17, 2006 4:25 AM

Nickname: in disbelief

Review: I sit here in disbelief when I read this article and those in agreement. Sure VZ set aside bandwidth for the services they want to provide over their network. Same as every cable, satellite, phone company before and after them. IT'S THEIR NETWORK! Anyway, VZ has more bandwidth available after TV than you'll be able to use in the nexy twenty years. And does anybody really believe that the technology that drives the Internet should be left to the public domain (as in the government)? You want to see the Internet die a quick death, put it in the hands of the government. Internet content providers are connected to the Internet a thousand different ways by a thousand different providers, Verizon can't control that, nor would they for business sake. You want a scapegoat, go pick on AOL. Talk about controlling the Internet experience. I challenge you to get Verizon broadband and FIOS TV, fire up every TV in your house then go try and surf the web, any problems? Didn't think so.

Date reviewed: Feb 22, 2006 11:24 PM

Nickname: rebii

Review: Verizon and others that seek such control are like the robber barons of old--you can get what used to belong to the public, but only if you pay us. A freely shared Internet is the only way to maintain freedom of speech and ideas. How long before sites that are critical or counter to Verizon or others' ideals find themselves subjected to special fees?

Date reviewed: Feb 18, 2006 5:21 PM

Nickname: Robert W. Horstmeier

Review: Verizion has done the pricing thing to our ISP for several years now. Where have you been?

Date reviewed: Feb 17, 2006 12:43 AM

Nickname: Peter

Review: Why do we worship business rather than compassionate public policy? Decency must trump money.

Date reviewed: Feb 17, 2006 12:35 AM

Nickname: acegraf

Review: I think much of the problem has been congressional/government donation of vast sections ofthe "ether" to various well-heeled corporate contributors. Those bands actually should be in the public domain, belonging to us all, rather than to Verizon or anybody else. Then the issue of leasing, or renting or free use would become much more understandable and justifiable.

Date reviewed: Feb 16, 2006 11:04 PM

Nickname: Jimmy the K

Review: What is planned, and actually being implemented in Texas, signals the death knell for most community access stations. The public airways will soon be no more.

Date reviewed: Feb 16, 2006 8:09 PM

Nickname: Frank G.

Review: Ms. Yang really needs to do some research to see how video networks are vastly different from data networks. Then her story would be based on fact and not perceptions.

Date reviewed: Feb 12, 2006 7:37 PM