1). Rural Broadband Accessibility (formerly called the  Digital Divide) will be effected, especially when the RBOC FTTx programs are just Redlining affluent areas to go head-to-head with cable on triple play.
2). Broadband Penetration is a result of competition and value. It was 7000 ISPs that made internet access possible for 200 million Americans.
3). Competition affects price and innovation. The same 7000 ISPs competed making internet access not only affordable, but user-friendly.
3A). If you want "Broadband Penetration", it is about price. Aggressive pricing happens in a highly competitive market, not a duopoly. For example, when SBC-Yahoo lowered their retail price to $14.95, not one cable company countered.
3B). Another illustration, there are thousands of dial-up ISPs because the infrastructure for Dial-up is openly available; thus, the price has dropped to as low as $4.99 in some areas (and was free for a while). That's competition working for the consumer.
4). The indepedent ISP represents a technological expert in its region. Moreover, often the IISP is the networking and computer repair center for its market.
5). Independent ISPs are the skilled front-line of security and network management of the Internet.
6). Local economics and taxes will be negatively effected by current proposed deregulation.
7). If the FCC gives DSL equal treatment as cable modem, I am out of business and my employees are out of work.
8).  The RBOC and MSOs cannot offer the service I give my clients, small businesses, who will also suffer from this loss.
9). Numerous non-profits and educational centers now obtain internet access and technical support from independent ISPs for free.

Here's what not to say:
1) We need new laws. (We need the TA96, specifically common carriage and Title II & III to actually be enforced).
2) Do not use the term "Broadband Deployment" - that term means fiber to anyone and that means help the RBOC.
3) Even price will mean help the RBOC, especially when the FCC and FTC are mandated to protect the Consumer, not ISPs and CLECs.

Have more ideas? Call us today at 813.963.5884
What an further explanation? www.rad-info.net/legal/explain.htm

• The other merger, MCI/VZ (FCC docket 05-75)
• the FCC Forbearance dockets - may be moot after FCC's DSL Ruling on 8/5/05
  

04-405 = BellSouth Broadband Forbearance docket 04-440 = Petition for Forbearance by Verizon for Broadband Services 04-416 = Petition for Forbearance by Qwest for DSL Service. 04-29  =  Petition of SBC for Forbearance fromt he Application of Title II Common Carrier Regulation to IP Platform Services. 05-65 = Merger of  SBC and AT&T   05-75 = Merger of VZ and MCI

• the Telecom Act re-write
• probably 3 new FCC Commissioners (the terms of Copps & Adelstein are up)
• at least one Supreme Court Justice (but probably 2)

What Can You Do?
It  looks futile, but don't give up

1. Get involved! Join an ISP Association like IIA or the WBIA. Can't afford the time? Then donate money to the campaign that IIA is starting.

2. Talk to your Congressmen. Or fax your Congressmen (and have your employees fax them also). Use the Talking Points below.  <We have Template Letters to fax to Congress HERE>  You can find out who your Congressional Representative is here.

3. Every time the RBOC commits an infraction, document it as a comment to their Forbearance docket at the FCC. (It takes 8 minutes to do). <Dockets are listed above>

4. Get your customers involved. If you have customers that you offer special or customized services to, get them to fax their Congressmen.

5. Talk to your local officials who stand to lose tax base, businesses, and employed voters.

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Contact information:

http://www.ii4a.org, email: isps@ii4a.org or phone 813-496-2122