Cable Lines for Internet Access

* Robert Scheer got it wrong when he accused AOL of wanting it both ways regarding government intervention in the Internet (Column Left, July 27). In the very near future consumers will be using broadband services to connect to the Internet. Decisions made today about broadband connections will have far-reaching implications for the future shape of the Internet.

Whether broadband access and architecture are open and competitive or closely controlled by a cable monopoly will affect whether free and diverse speech continues to thrive, whether noncommercial and civic content is accessible, whether local e-commerce is sustainable and the cost, availability and service choices for consumers. A cable-dominated broadband system will limit free and diverse speech, consumer choice, consumer value and the sustainability of local e-commerce.

Since Scheer views himself as a consumer advocate, he ought to rethink his view and support open access for the Internet.

THOMAS J. RYU

Northridge

* Bravo to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for seeing through the sham that calls itself “open access” to high-speed Internet lines and for allowing AT&T; to go forward in upgrading its broadband cable system (“S.F. Won’t Open Cable to Internet Firms,” July 27).

This is truly a victory for consumers, who will now--in San Francisco at least--be able to access the Internet faster, get improved video service and not be held hostage to their local phone monopoly. We can only hope that the L.A. City Council also rejects the smoke-and-mirrors arguments that AOL is using to protect its own dominance of Internet access. Let’s bring high-speed Internet access to Los Angeles now.

GREG GUENTHER

Chatsworth