[BC] Getting rid of copper

[Dana Puopolo]

The big problem with getting rid of copper is the getting rid of the CLECs
with it!

Again I say, No more competition resulting in T1, DS3, OC3 and other currently
competitive data circuits' prices to go through the roof.

Yes, you can run these (and DSL over fiber), but right now the ILECs are
required to offer copper circuits to CLECs at wholesale prices, which allow
them to be price competitive.

Not so with fiber: ILECs like Verizon can price gouge as much as they want -
and do!

It's already happening: Up until a year ago, DSL Extreme could offer high
speed Internet over Verizon fiber (FiOS) through a reseller agreement with
Verizon. You could buy the same speed circuit Verizon offered for about 3/4
the price.  Verizon arbitrarily and abruptly cancelled this agreement - giving
30 days notice for DSLx customers to find alternate service.
DSLx still offers copper based Internet using DSL, ADSL2 and pair bonded DSL,
at attractive prices, but DSLx *will* be forced out of business should this
happen.

Period.

-D