[1st-mile-nm] Verizon | FiOS Internet Packages and Prices

[John Osmon]

On Fri, May 23, 2008 at 12:12:27PM -0600, peter wrote:
> http://www22.verizon.com/content/consumerfios/packages+and+prices/packages+and+prices.htm
> 
> Just got this nice little offer for fiber to the home in the mail for 
> our place in Sarasota
> 
> I talked to the techs in Florida and they say that 100mgps is coming 
> real soon
> 
> Yup we can but dream in Nuevo Mexico

Be careful what you ask for -- you may get it.

This isn't about "serving the consumer," as much as it's about lock-in.

Let's look at Qwest DSL model -- the fairest I've seen among the RBOCs.

The DSL customer can buy a DSL (layer 2 connection) from Qwest, and be
connected to one of several different (layer 3) ISPs.  When a single
layer 2 connection can be used to get to several layer 3 ISPs, there is
little need legislated network neutrality.  As long as the wire is
neutral, I can find an ISP that will treat my packets the way I want...

However, Qwest's FTTN (fiber to the node) inititive is starting up.  Qwest
is extending their metro-ethernet to a number of remote terminals (RTs).
They can put DLAMs in the RTs, and push up to 20M/896k to neghborhoods!
They'll also be able to do 40M/40M with SHDSL equipment, and any number 
of new things as new equipment becomes available.  Cool stuf.

But they're using this upgrade to lock out the ISPs.  If you want the
faster service, you *must* use Qwest as the ISP.  That sound you 
just heard was the death knell of an important product in the
independent ISP's product line.

The word on the street about Verizon's FIOS indicates that when the
fiber is brought to your house, they disable the copper plant.  Since
they don't have to share the fiber, they've just locked your house into
Verizon service.

These upgrades, are a thinly veiled attempt to lock consumers into the
ILECs service -- but disguised as an "upgrade."  Personaly, I'm not
really willing to give up diversity of ISPs for a few extra Mbps...