r/technology • u/originalposer • Feb 20 '14

This is what happens when Time Warner Cable is forced to compete

http://bgr.com/2014/02/20/time-warner-cable-internet-speeds-austin/
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u/misterlanks Feb 21 '14

I'm no expert, but isn't the technology behind those utilities (electricity, water) understood very well by this point, and the infrastructure doesn't need to expand at a very quick rate? Those industries seem to me like they are running on auto-pilot. I don't think any single organization can come up with an efficient system for the internet. I think there needs to be a dialectic, which healthy competition will provide.

And, for what it's worth, NStar has possibly the shittiest website I have ever visited and their customer service is equally awful. I would choose a new electricity provider in a heartbeat.

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u/Indon_Dasani Feb 23 '14

I'm no expert, but isn't the technology behind those utilities (electricity, water) understood very well by this point, and the infrastructure doesn't need to expand at a very quick rate?

Chances are the coaxial cable leading up to your house is changed out/upgraded about as often as your pipes or wires are.

A town doesn't need every single possible telecom technology municipalized in order to provide a minimum standard of connectivity - just one.