Back to the Days When AT&T; Ruled

I read your editorial, “Fences Around the Internet” (April 4) and wondered if the author(s) had blinders on. There are many people who would be willing to return to an AT&T; monopoly, particularly those who remember the quality manner in which services were provided. Commitments made were kept, and efficiency and politeness were the rule, not exceptions.

And do the author(s) really believe that AT&T; would not have kept up with technology (the company invented the transistor and numerous other products) and upgraded what you disparagingly call clunky black phones. Open access on the Internet is a serious matter with both sides, phone and cable, and Internet companies having important and big-dollar business issues at stake. You would do everyone a favor by examining both sides of the open-access problem and educating your readers.

Dave Radden

Former AT&T; executive

Los Angeles