Chilson recommends Hazlett's 'The Political Spectrum' on Bell monopoly and innovation
neil_chilson · x · 2026-09-14
Neil Chilson recommended Thomas Hazlett's book "The Political Spectrum" for more on the innovation effects of Bell Labs and the regulatory environment around its monopoly, restating his argument that consumers saw the same handset for decades and Bell Labs shelved cellular tech invented in the 1940s—while the post-breakup telecom liberalization unleashed innovation and lower prices.
Related event: Bell Labs Breakup Debate: Does Monopoly Drive or Stifle Innovation(5 posts)→
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