The Fallacy of Equating Broadband with High Speed Internet Access

Many broadband network operators are beginning to offer services above and beyond simple HSI. These include:

• Ultra-fast connections specifically tuned for video, even high definition video.
• Voice over IP (VOIP) connections that allow you to hear a pin drop.
• Speedy gaming connections that give adolescent gamers an unfair advantage.

The possibilities are endless, highly desired by consumers, and needed by broadband providers to justify additional capital investment in broadband technologies. But they will never see the light of day if the heavy and somewhat clumsy hand of government steps into the picture.

“First, do no harm” was not really part of the Hippocratic Oath but many believe it was and it sounds like it should have been. Government regulators should adopt a similar “first, do no harm” Bureaucratic Oath as they contemplate remaking already successful markets.

Kevin Walsh is vice president of marketing for Zeugma Systems.