Consumers win in this competition

The entire July 13 Consumer Confidential column, “It’s boiling down to cable vs. telecom,” is based on a skewed view of competition. Where it sees only a clash between the telecom and cable industries, the competitive landscape is much more diverse.

Not only are telephone and cable companies competing head-to-head for voice, data and video customers, they are also competing with wireless, voice over Internet protocol, competitive local carriers and satellite providers. The competitors are likely to increase with the emergence of new technologies, such as WiMax. And, despite what the column says, that’s the kind of competition that benefits consumers.

Bill Kula, Director, Media Relations

Verizon Communications Inc., Irvine