Senator John McCain takes heat for alledgedly pandering to the telco lobby

Anyone who follows the access industry that does not believe that the duopoly has the most of the Senate in their corner is badly misinformed. Rumor has it a yet to be published New York Times article implicates McCain in giving preferential treatment to a Telecom lobbyist. It’s origin is probably a bit of mudslinging by an opponent in the presidential race. McCain’s record and statements are telling enough:

McCain, who has spent 20 years in the Senate, has spent ample time on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, overseeing new technology laws. McCain tried to kill line sharing before the FCC effectively did it for him, has loudly supported the “a la carte” TV pricing model and has fought against network neutrality laws, arguing that “when you control the pipe you should be able to get profit from your investment.”

McCain denies giving anyone unfair treatement, telling the Associated Press “I do find the timing of this whole issue very interesting.” There’s not much more to say until the Times report surfaces (if it surfaces) but we’re sure you’re as shocked as we are at the mere possibility that telecom companies have any control over the nation’s government. (from Broadband Reports)

Come on, Senator McCain, you can’t really say forced line sharing is wrong if the current laws do not allow a competitor to install similar infrastructure (local loop unbundling). The sharing arrangement included payment for the use of the line by the competitor. I don’t mean to single out Mr. McCain, there are 99 more like him in the senate, and most support the same policy concerning the duopoly regardless of party affiliation. If you stick you head above the pack of your peers, usually one of them will take a whack at it. This does not make your other actions any different from the rest. They all need to retire and give a new group a chance.