Today I have more of a random thought than an actual planned post. As MMO players we are generally at the mercy of our ISPs when it comes to our ability to enjoy the games we want to play. A poor or absent connection leaves us with little to no option other than frustration. This is obviously something that is no surprise or mystery to any of you but it does tie into the broadband policy that the FCC is putting together. What they decide could drastically effect those of us with slow or virtually absent connections and bring a lot more of new markets into the industry.
It may come as a surprise to some of you that the United States is not one of the leaders in internet availability, pricing and quality. This is usually pawned off with the argument that our nation is “too large” to compete with smaller, more dense countries. This of course is false but it does make a good story. At any rate I wonder how MMO companies view ISPs? Do they see them as barriers to new markets? Has there ever been any thought to cut out the middle man? For some reason I can somewhat see a Blizzard ISP to ensure an ecosystem for their MMOs and Battle.net. Would they go out and try to help communities that offer potential business but can’t reach the service reliably? My guess is no but it would certainly be interesting to see. At any rate, I close with a quote that is interesting to ponder. It related to electricity but could easily now serve in regards to internet connectivity.
I therefore lay down the following principle: That where a community—a city or county or a district—is not satisfied with the service rendered or the rates charged by the private utility, it has the undeniable basic right, as one of its functions of Government, one of its functions of home rule, to set up, after a fair referendum to its voters has been had, its own governmentally owned and operated service. – FDR
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