If telcos are having trouble attracting investment from capital markets because no one's sure they'll do well in the long run, structural separation may make sense -- even to them.   Just a few regulatory shifts and some bravery stand between us and a more competitive and choice-filled world of communications.  And with separation and competition may come economic growth as well.

Nice pointer from EuroTelcoblog in this direction -- thanks to James Enck and his reportage.