It is unfortunate that we have a business culture where to take someone at their word is not only naive but so reckless that the duped gets most of the blame rather than the duper.
And yet, here we are. This is the reality. Taking a private equity firm "at their word" is so foolish that it's hard to believe the author isn't being disingenuous.
The US flatly does not have the regulatory environment to ensure internet infrastructure is accessible and affordable. Net neutrality is the cardinal example in which regulatory capture by business interests immediately led to deregulation. This is a similar story but instead it was a nonprofit organization being captured by business interests.
Is there nothing the free market can't ruin?
Edison literally sent thugs to tear down competitors' film equipment...