Today, those principles are threatened. Today, consumers have open access to the Internet, except over cable facilities. Results exactly the opposite of what was envisioned in passing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Cable operators, who have monopolized one of the two wires providing Internet to the home, should not be allowed to substitute their ISP for the consumer's.
Open networks lead to more investment than closed networks.
Open and competitive access to the cable last-mile facility will encourage investment in broadband networks, applications, services and content. Knowing of your interest in the future of the Internet and your leadership in promoting competition in the telecommunications marketplace, we have enclosed materials on this serious threat to an open, competitive Internet. We would be very interested in speaking to you and your staff about this issue and will be contacting you in the next few weeks. LLC Marc Andreessen Chief Technical Officer Netscape Communications Corp. Jay Stewart Vice President OlyWa.