'No Credible Rationale' for ISP Price Regulation: AT&T

There is "no credible rationale for the need for price regulation" to expand access to broadband for low-income communities, blogged AT&T Executive Vice President-Federal Regulatory Relations Joan Marsh Friday. Broadband prices are "comparable with those charged abroad and by municipal networks," Marsh said, and debate about pricing has "largely ignored the specific low-income products that the industry has made available." Marsh cited AT&T's Access from AT&T, which provides up to 25 Mbps for $10 monthly; $5 for lower speeds. Lifeline should be "revamped and revitalized," Marsh said. Adoption remains an obstacle to bridging the digital divide, Marsh said: Cost is becoming less of a barrier than the rise in smartphone use or another option for internet.