letter/CW1st Open Access the Answer I am alarmed by recent television commercials by cable companies claiming that the government should take its hands off the Internet. The reality is that the Internet continues to flourish and enrich society because of the dynamic interaction between the government and people at the forefront of technological innovation. AT & T;/TCI and MediaOne are trying to consolidate their monopoly over high-speed Internet access via cable lines. They suggest that the money they have invested in building their network is enough to sanction exclusive rights to use the cable lines and public rights of way while denying access to other Internet service providers. This will effectively shut out competition in the high-speed access marketplace, subjecting consumers to one proprietary gatekeeper. Obviously, this is why cable companies want the government to keep its hands off the Internet. Cable companies will also be able to decide which communities to service with high-speed Internet access and which ones to exclude. We can safely assume that poorer communities will be excluded. NATE HOLDEN City Councilman, 10th District
