Karl Bode writes how AT&T and other ISPs can bully their way into domination. This anti-competitive behavior is bad for everyone but the carriers.
The first tool in telecom’s arsenal is zero-rating, which lets preferred services get a break on network-level data charges. Wireless users may find that AT&T’s DirecTV Now service doesn’t count against their monthly usage limit, an arrangement that was still allowed under Wheeler’s FCC but was increasingly frowned upon.
Mr. Bode doesn’t mention 5G but I think we’re going to see more anti-competitive behavior with this faster network. AT&T already revealed special 5G plans that are more expensive than 4G plans.
Check It Out: How ISPs Will Start to Be More Anti-Competitive