The Worst Technology Laws

Patently Absurd

Ever wonder why each day seems to bring news of another patent-infringement lawsuit? Or why U.S. cell phone networks are so slow? Or why so few cities offer wireless Internet service? The answers lie, at least in part, in these lousy government decisions.

3. Patent Pitfalls

The patent system is broken. Even Congress knows that, and controversial efforts to overhaul it are under way. The Patent Office has a crushing backlog of hundreds of thousands of patent review requests, a rigidly defined time limit in which to do those reviews, and little extra time to keep up with the rapidly changing tech field. Is it any wonder that silly patents get approved?

Bad patent grants lead to frivolous lawsuits that can cost millions of dollars even if they're settled early on--and you and I end up footing the bill in the form of higher prices. The throng of pointless patents also makes it hard for companies to find the legitimate ones that they may unknowingly violate. And all the lawsuits create uncertainty for buyers and a veritable nightmare for users of a product embroiled in a patent battle--something devotees of RIM's BlackBerry devices know all too well.

4. Cellular Chaos

Once upon a time, our government decided that we didn't need a cellular technology standard. The cost of that strategy has been slower networks, spotty coverage, and more limited services than in many other countries.

The United States has four major cellular carriers--AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon--which use two base technologies (GSM/GPRS and CDMA) and at least four upgraded technologies (EDGE, UMTS, EvDO, HSDPA) to handle their users' traffic. Coverage areas vary by vendor because each one has to build its own network, but even users of the same carrier will get different network speeds depending on where they are, since vendors deploy faster technologies in stages.

Because of these competing and incompatible technologies, when you switch carriers you often must get a new phone even if you don't want one. And it's easier for carriers to lock in a popular cell phone model (iPhone, anyone?). Moreover, since hardware makers must create models to support each of these different technologies, their development costs go up as well, and that eventually gets passed on to consumers.

Many European and Asian countries, whose governments have chosen a single cellular technology standard, have services that simply don't exist here or have been slow to debut, such as cellular payment systems (which are made easier by use of a single tech standard) and live TV broadcasts (which require ubiquitous high speeds).

5. Municipal Broadband Moratorium

This one varies by region, but it's a bad idea no matter where you are. Certain states, such as Missouri and Pennsylvania, have made it illegal for individual cities and towns to offer broadband, video, or wireless services to their residents. Yes, private companies do often provide those services to the cities in question, and such companies may be able to maintain the networks required for these services more cheaply than a government agency. It's also true that not all residents of a given area would want their tax dollars used this way. But why shouldn't local governments compete with their own offerings if that's what the majority of residents want?

If my town wants to offer free or low-cost wireless access with my tax dollars and it can do so efficiently, why shouldn't it? Given the importance of an always-on connection in today's society, and the high value we place on competition, having an extra player willing to step in and offer greater choice--and sometimes the only choice--should be encouraged, not prohibited.