[Kyobanim]

Contrary to popular belief, online gaming is not the cause of slow bandwith. The game is installed on a server and the local PC, the only traffic that is passed are packets of data that are slightly bigger than the average 'keep alive' packet. This slightly increased packet is usually adjusted through load balancing from your provider. If you are experiencing decreased bandwidth due to gamers then your provider isn't doing their job.

The bandwith hogs are the ones that stream video and music, not to be confused with downloading video and music. Download is a one shot thing and usually is done in seconds while streaming opens up a pipe between host and client and runs as long as required to present the file, and keep you from owning it.

As far as letting the providers limit bandwidth . . .

The infrastructure to provide adequate bandwith with no lag is in place and that's a fact. Between 1999 and 2001 I worked for RoadRunner deploying their networks in 20 states. When we finished it was estimated that we laid enough 'dark fiber' to handle 300% growth over the next 20 years. That includes trunk lines from the providers. The only place that is lacking in fiber is between the NOCs and the residence. Verizon is taking the lead in that area now. DSL is another matter, you're just flat out screwed with that.

There is enough profit in providing internet access to upgrade local infrastructure as needed. Cable companies do it on the cheap by increasing their conversion ratios on their up converters from the installed settings of 2 to 1 to 4 to 1. That sucks but it's their network.

Open access? You bet. This country will grow with open communications.

If you get reduced bandwidth because of open access, then complain to your provider. It's in their power to fix it.