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It works for network operators
For example, Bell South can do a deal with Google so that Google's search results are delivered faster than Yahoo's or Microsoft's when running over Bell South network infrastructure.

Consumers are left out of the loop, they don't get a say in how fast it works. A monopoly search company could buy access to all major networks and stymie competition. If search became as fundamental to internet use as say the OS has become to the PC market, then a search monopolist could exercise control over the networks in much the same way Microsoft can exercise control over OEMs.

It may not happen with search, I don't think there's enough money in it, but it could happen with other content, say video. If Disney became a streaming video monopolist, they could buy premium access to all major networks. A competitor simply couldn't offer the same service so they are frozen out. Disney can then start to control the networks - do what we say or we'll pull our content and your subscribers will have to use a competitor to get our content.

Again, I can't see video being that fundamental to internet subscribers, but who predicted Microsoft's PC OS monopoly more than 5 years out?
Posted by: Fred Fredrickson   Posted on: 03/02/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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Wake up call  Anthony S. | 03/02/06
What did you expect? It's an election year.  Mr. Roboto | 03/02/06
This particular jerk  Jack-Booted EULA | 03/02/06
As opposed to the providers  Jack-Booted EULA | 03/02/06
But the companies like Google care?  John Zern | 03/03/06
Google is a tiny blip on the radar  Jack-Booted EULA | 03/03/06
How would the 'fast lane' work in the first place?  johnsmith222 | 03/02/06
It works for network operators  Fred Fredrickson | 03/02/06
Re: How would the 'fast lane' work in the first place?  Dogboy66 | 03/05/06
Then don't forget  Anthony S. | 03/02/06
I hate to agree with a Democrat, but  CobraA1 | 03/02/06
The bill is irrelevant and the telcos are right.  Anton Philidor | 03/02/06
Don't you understand?  CobraA1 | 03/03/06
Yes, unfortunately, I do understand.  Anton Philidor | 03/03/06
They have already received tax incentives to build these networks.  shalofin | 03/03/06
The telcos paid as well.  Anton Philidor | 03/03/06
The bill is irrelevant and the telcos are right  Dogboy66 | 03/05/06
How dare they!  ejhonda | 03/03/06
This may not be exactly it, but there's a need for something.  snurd3 | 03/03/06
So we pay for Googles bandwidth?  John Zern | 03/03/06
Doesn't work like that.  shalofin | 03/03/06
Story mistitled  johnay | 03/03/06
Miracles do happen - A West Coast Democrat has it right.  Update victim | 03/03/06
Natural monopolies  Joep.Rijntjes@... | 03/03/06
I would rather here with slow internet then there with fast  robrac | 03/07/06
Life in the Fast Lane  AJ Carey | 03/20/06
Where's the Beef?  oldhats | 03/20/06
Fast line 'Net reply...  BlazeEagle | 04/23/06

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