Nemertes Impact Analysis

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Regulation in, Innovation out?

NARUC (National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners) is
advocating states get involved in wireless regulation. Ostensibly, this would be
to protect consumers from carrier abuses. In reality, it would create an
uncoordinated patchwork of new regulations on top of existing pervasive FCC
regulation.

Nemertes' study on Internet growth, The Internet Singularity, Delayed: Why
Limits in Internet Capacity Will Stifle Innovation on the Web, identify
wireless as a potential way to bypass access-bandwidth constraints in the local
loop. Introducing additional regulation in this area is a poor way of
encouraging development.

Impacts:

Enterprises: Regulation has a proven track record of stifling innovation.
Express concerns to the appropriate people.

Vendors: NARUC's involvement in wireless isn't good news for the industry.
Get involved.

Investors: Remember the bad old days of regulated monopolies? Any significant
involvement of regulators in the vibrant wireless market will depress growth.

Mike Jude, Senior Analyst

http://www.nemertes.com/internet_singularity_delayed_why_limits_internet_capacity_will_stifle_innovation_web
http://www.wirelessweek.com/article.aspx?id=162106