Ask HN: Should the U.S. government launch a state-backed 5G network?

6 points | by Austin_Conlon 1123 days ago

4 comments

  • wmf 1123 days ago
    No, because (1) it isn't needed, (2) it's probably unfair competition to Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile, and (3) it would be just as overpriced and delayed as SLS and F-35 (unless they contract it out to an existing carrier like FirstNet but that would have other problems).
    • hilbert42 1123 days ago
      "(1) it isn't needed"

      Why?

      • wmf 1123 days ago
        We already have three 5G networks. Why is another one needed?
        • hilbert42 1123 days ago
          I wasn't aware the whole country had total 5G coverage. It's nice to know it has. Presumably you've included the millimetic bands as well?
          • wmf 1123 days ago
            Try more detailed arguments and less snark.
            • hilbert42 1120 days ago
              OK, snark indeed. First, you offered no detailed arguments or constructive comment yourself except to make a snide remark - and now you have the temerity to criticize me.

              So you want details then here are just a few (I've many more but I'll refrain).

              The fact is the country is very badly served by these carriers and it has been so for decades - as many longsuffering users know all too well. (Everyone knows the issues so there's no point in detailing them here.)

              The US is laughing stock when it comes to just about any branch of utility service and the poor management therof (there are just too many instances to list here). As a current example just look at Texas at the moment - freezing - and with some poor unfortunates with $15,000 power bills!

              Frankly, this is damn outrageous for a first-world country. Investment in utility infrastructure is minimal everywhere at the expense of profit and the only satisfactory way to overcome and remedy this is to begin the long and difficult process with vastly improved (much tightened) regulation. Q.E.D.

              Whether you agree or not depends on which side of the free market fence you sit. It's very, very clear which side I am sitting on.

  • farseer 1123 days ago
    If you want the state to launch something, a healthcare system rivaling the NHS would be the start.
  • drannex 1123 days ago
    Most major industries should be nationalized to an extent, healthcare especially, but also a nationalized rail system, electrical network, and yes, communication networks.
  • caslon 1123 days ago
    They should, but they won't. The closest thing we might get is deregulation, but meaningful deregulation is just as far away as the idea of a government-run network.