Why Switzerland has 25 gbit internet and America doesn't
6 hours ago
- #natural monopoly
- #broadband competition
- #infrastructure regulation
- Switzerland provides 25 Gbit symmetrical dedicated fiber internet to homes at reasonable prices, with genuine competition among providers.
- The U.S. and Germany suffer from monopolies or overbuild due to treating broadband as a regular market, not a natural monopoly, leading to slower speeds and higher costs.
- Switzerland's model treats fiber infrastructure as a shared neutral asset with open access and point-to-point architecture, enforced by regulation to maintain competition.
- Natural monopolies like broadband infrastructure require single builds and open access to foster service competition, not wasteful duplication or territorial monopolies.
- Policy lessons include mandating open access to physical infrastructure, enforcing point-to-point fiber, and empowering regulators to ensure fair competition.