US wireless firms want stimulus money, oppose open access

January 22, 2009 at 11:53 AM by Esme Vos

It’s business as usual for US wireless companies. They want our money, but they’d like to keep their networks closed:

A group representing U.S. wireless companies is seeking changes to $6 billion in grants aimed at promoting expanded Internet and wireless services as part of an economic stimulus bill proposed by Democrats. The CTIA industry group said a requirement that providers who get grant money abide by so-called “open access” principles will impede investment in wireless and Internet access for the rural and hard-to-serve areas targeted by the measure.

I don’t see why these companies should get a single dollar in public money if they are not going to abide by open access rules. They can spend their own money. They can tap the vibrant capital markets and seek loans from the robust banking industry if they want to make investments in their networks and continue their closed network policies. But the gall of these people asking for taxpayer money and keeping monopoly profits! I hope the Obama administration sees this tired old scheme for what it is. The same companies that want a “free market” oppose robust competition to the detriment of everyone but their shareholders.

US wireless firms want grants, oppose open access | MuniWireless

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