The regional Bell companies say this time they’re serious about broadband. I think they missed their opportunity. When cable operators were fighting mandatory open access in 1999-2000, the Bells could have positioned DSL as the open alternative for broadband. They could have leveraged independent ISPs and content providers as an unbeatable sales force. Instead, they have taken the traditional route: play it slow and conservative, maintain as much control as possible, and emphasize regulatory gamesmanship over business investment. [Werblog]