[governance] Are Internet users powerless or empowered, and how?

[Veni Markovski]

At 11:20 11/30/2007  -0800, Karl wrote:

>For example, yes, we users have great power in the marketplace to 
>select ISP's and the like.

This sounds strange. At least in New York City there is a choice - 
between cable Internet and Verizon. Both are at the same price, more 
or less. Is this really a choice? Compare: in Sofia, Bulgaria you can 
choose among about 20 big ISPs, and about 500 smaller  (true, in the 
whole city, not each of them covers all of the buildings).
In New York you can choose between "business" and "family" or 
something like that plan. Speeds - up to 6Mbps. In Sofia - tens of 
plans, speeds - up to 1000 Mbps. Prices - adequate: in New York City 
it is more expensive than in Sofia. I call that a choice.

But, again, that is my own, non US-centric, point of view. Or, rather, fact?

veni 

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