The Boston Herald
April 24, 2000 Monday
Study Takes Shot At 'Open Access' Issue

Who doesn't want faster Internet access?
But forcing cable companies to open up their high-speed networks to Internet service providers could hit consumers in the pocketbook, according to a study released today by a Harvard Law School professor.
Stuart Brotman, the professor, argues in a 30-page report that cities and towns across Massachusetts could be hit with rising regulatory expenses if Internet service providers are given access to the networks run by cable television companies.
The report comes as supporters of "open access" for Internet service providers drum up support to put the issue on this November's ballot, with a State House hearing scheduled for tomorrow.
Open access advocates, who have gathered around the banner of the Massachusetts Coalition for Consumer Choice and Competition on the Internet, include a number of local officials, consumer groups, and Internet companies.
Brotman argues that cities and towns, are already responsible for regulating the cable companies that provide service to their residents. If the ballot passes, they soon could find themselves having to sort out arcane and complex disputes between various Internet service providers.
Without the expertise on staff to deal with these issues, cities and towns could be forced to hire expensive outside legal help and technology consultants. He said rising local taxes, in turn, could further reinforce the state's old image as a center for high taxes, while also driving some businesses to move to other states.
"If we get tagged as 'Taxachusetts,' the negative costs may be jobs and tax revenue in terms of businesses who may decide to locate elsewhere," Brotman said in an interview.
Still, Brotman said he could not provide an estimate on what the potential cost could be for cities and towns across the state.
Brotman's study was paid for by Consumers and Internet Providers for Technology Competition, which has an office in Boston, and financial backing from the cable industry.