Over the past few weeks I've posted many a post regarding "Cool" Companies, chronicling their history and illuminating their accomplishments. However, I would like my last post to be a little different: I would like to use this weblog as a vehicle for a senseless rant.
The current wireless and internet providers have an oligopoly, or market ruled by a small number of companies. These industry standards have resulted in competition between the two larger companies, AT&T and Verizon, and the two smaller companies, T-Mobile and Sprint. Due to T-Mobile's attempts to reform the system with its consumer friendly "Uncarrier" plans, AT&T has attempted to buy out the relatively diminutive firm, and Sprint is reportedly planning to do the same. The competitive nature of these large firms acts as reassurance for some consumers, but, I quote economist Tim Wu,