Journal keraneuology's Journal: ~rant~ internet access is expensive
Some time ago I got tired of paying $45/month for a dialtone when nobody ever called me so I ditched the landline and went cellular only - one less thing to deal with during the move is always an added bonus.
In the new digs I have the following options for internet access:
- Pay $40/month for dialtone + $20 for dialup
- Pay $40/month for dialtone + $40 for DSL
- Almost $60 for cable modem
- Some obscene amount for satellite
There is exactly one option for cable access. There are two choices for DSL, both of which require an active phone line. There are no options for wireless (except for satellite) and no fiber anywhere near the new neighborhood.
To make things better, the state's utility commissioner recently removed any and all price oversight from the state claiming that the competition of the marketplace would keep things under control. While I am a staunch advocate of the free market, I can't help but be annoyed that there is only one cable option because the city signed an exclusive service agreement explicitly prohibiting competition and the telephone company lobbied the government into allowing competing DSL companies to be banned from public subsidized wiring located on public land.
My needs are modest: 2Mb down and 256kb up would make me perfectly content. I surf a handful of websites. I
But my options are clear: At least $720/year or nothing at all.
I'm a little annoyed.
~rant~ internet access is expensive More Login
~rant~ internet access is expensive
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