INSIDE NEW YORK'S PLAN TO COVER THE CITY IN FREE, SUPER-FAST WI-FI

I read about this a while ago. Seems like they're really going to do it.

INSIDE NEW YORK'S PLAN TO COVER THE CITY IN FREE, SUPER-FAST WI-FI

Seattle was supposed to get that.

Turns out it's just a new definition of "fiber" and "1 gigabit."

It's not the same. NYC is looking to provide free wi-fi. That looks doable, with what are currently pay-phone kiosks repurposed as hotspots. Seattle was expecting to get wired with fiber optics. That's a pipe-dream for sure - Verizon keeps advertising fiber here, but if you ask them it's "not available in your neighborhood yet". Been that way for several years now.

Yep, I suspect Verizon is waiting for its lobbyists to defeat net neutrality in Congress, so it can charge mega bucks for its fiber optic service and offer it only to commercial customers with deep pockets.

The FCC has already crippled what's possibly the biggest benefit to consumers of declaring the internet a communication service, and thus a utility. The FCC has stated that they are not going to enforce the third-party regulations that require telcos to allow access for others to use their infrastructure at wholesale prices. That would open up the internet service providers to competition (as it is in nearly all the rest of the world). As it stands, only 25% of consumers in the country have options in buying internet service. And that's the way the companies like it: no competition = lousy service and high prices. Or as it is commonly called: "The American Way."

They lied to the wrong guy this time.

Verizon tells customer he needs 75Mbps for smoother Netflix video

Are you trying to tell us that an American corporation is giving incorrect advice just to increase their bottom line?

I'm shocked! Shocked, I tell you!

Even the bureaucrats noticed.

Verizon promised to wire up NYC with fiber... and failed miserably – audit

AT&T promised to spent several billion improving their ability to deliver decent internet services. Then they changed their mind after getting what they wanted. That's the way business is done in the good old USA.