I just sat through several sessions at the URTA conference. Mostly discussion about how to retain revenue in an increasingly hostile environment.

I thought about David Isenberg's "Stupid Network" ideas and how he believes that the government shouldn't intervene in salvaging LECs and OCCs. It makes a lot of sense. At least conceptually. But then you sit through some meetings and realize just what a problem it is for these small telcos.

They aren't bad people, or bad business operators. In fact, they are very good business people. Dedicated to providing good service, dedicated to providing decent paying jobs and dedicated to staying around for the long haul. And they are operating in an increasingly hostile environment.

And yet, the world has changed. Perhaps not for the best. Who knows what the future will bring. For certain the business climate will grow increasingly more difficult. It's certainly worth keeping and eye on and seeing what can be done to make the situation better. Perhaps there is a compromise between holding onto a business model that grows more unworkable over time and embracing new technologies, ideas, products and services. There must be a workable transition that will allow incumbent LECs to survive and thrive without killing innovation. But it's a big challenge. One that isn't for the faint of heart.........
9:22:31 PM    comment []