Consumers: What ever happened to competition?

A report released jointly by the Consumers Union and the Consumers Federation of America outlines in great detail why they think the broadband policy of the Bush White House and the Powell FCC isn't working. Universal service is falling apart, the U.S. has slipped to 13th or 15th in broadband penetration, and the duopoly of cable networks and Bell phone companies has taken over the market, the groups say.

The consumer groups have pushed for "open access" ?? the policy in which any ISP can offer service over DSL, cable TV or fiber optic lines ?? since the beginning, and have almost completely lost the battle. This report is likely laying the groundwork for more substantial lobbying next year if telecommunications laws are revisited by Congress.