[dragonwriter]

> Why not declare AT&T, Comcast, et al. to be public utilities, by an Act of Congress?

Because of the expense (5th Amendment.)

Making them more-regulated-but-still-private utilities would have a lower up front cost, and probably work just as well.

[failwhaleshark]

It's worth considering the opportunity cost of making them state-owned vs. the net costs of lack of access and excessive charges by corporate exploitation to see which is cheaper and better. Internet access and usage shouldn't be held hostage by a few, greedy rent-seekers.

Regulation as utilities is a minimum need, but corporations will always find ways to conduct regulatory capture and game the rules. This is why I think utilities need to be mostly social venture nonprofits that are highly-regulated.