In addition to the predictable obsolescence you cite, a problem with making deals with USA telcos is that they seldom stick to the terms of those deals. Even if some stick-in-the-mud with an excess of conscience won't play ball at the local or state level, they can always overrule that with the commissioners they've bought at the next higher level.

http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/2007/pulpit_20070810_0026...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-kushnick/billions-in-cus...