Let government step up to the plate

America's Network, April 1, 2004 by Tony Adams

Great article on Qwest and the Utopia project. (AN, Feb. 1, Editor's Note) However, I don't know that a blanket opinion that government can't run networks is a fair assessment. I do agree that, based on the general way that most governments are run, it's highly suspect that they'll foul this up. But the truth is, we don't know that yet because not enough of these networks have been built and operated. Personally, I'd be an advocate of this scenario: Let governments (city, metro area, county) build out the fiber infrastructure. Don't allow them to put electronics on that infrastructure. Rather, have them IRU dark fiber strands to each and every carrier. If necessary, outsource the maintenance to a neutral third party.

I think this is the only way that we as consumers will ever see true competition for our business. Government cannot legislate competition; that's not a free-market economy.

Tony Adams

Rapidigm Inc.

Vancouver, WA