Government has gone out of its way to minimize competition in the broadband marketplace. That’s what Qwest and Comcast pay it to do. It’s that simple.

I support the formation of the broadband task force. I’m also not holding my breath. I trust that O’Connor will bring an independent voice to the table.

My belief is that ultimately our local governments will need to build and own Internet pipes — just like city streets. This isn’t just to ensure equitable access but freedom of speech.

There are so many issue surrounding broadband that I can barely wrap my head around it: 1996 Telecommunications Act and its promises of lower prices, choice and infrastructure investment that never happened; net neutrality and the need for unfettered use balanced with network management; the promise of Internet2 in which Minnesota has a key role; and the current House & Senate COPE Act (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_Opportunity%2C_Promotion_and_Enhancement_Act_of_2006) and its attempt to massage that 1996 Act for today’s internet and telecom landscape.

It’s messy, chaotic, complex and nuanced…and ISP’s should be there. Mike O’Connor, one of the appointees, owned GoFast.net and was arguably the biggest burr under USWest’s saddle in the 90’s when they weren’t playing fair with ISDN. Is it feasible to connect with him or someone else for ISP representation?

However, my concern with Pawlenty’s appointments is the total absence of ANY local ISP on the Taskforce. I am sure the people appointed are intelligent beings that will offer good solutions. But it is hard to think that Governor Pawlenty has good intentions for Minnesota companies if the industry representatives (wireless, telecomm, cable) are also all representing large, national companies – Verizon, Qwest and Comcast.

The one exception on the taskforce is Brent Christensen, of Madelia Telephone Company, as the representative of telephone companies with 50,000 or fewer subscribers located outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area.