Subsidies for Internet Service
Posted on May 1, 2012
Since IP telephony is merely one of many applications available on Internet networks, it’s increasingly evident that broadband Internet access shall become more important to rural residents than traditional telephone service. While the FCC is recommending subsidy changes, the situation warrants a more radical course of action. There’s a lot of money at stake and those with the inside track don’t seem to merit the rewards.
Download five minute audio narration to iPad, iPhone, or iPod.
First, some background.
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Eroding the ISP Duopoly
Posted on November 5, 2010
Earlier this year Cable TV industry executives dismissed cord cutting as an urban myth. Yet domestic Pay TV subscribers declined for the first time ever in the June quarter. Early reports indicate another drop in the September quarter. While presently conceding cord cutting may be a reality some industry observers conclude the trend is not a serious threat. They reason the industry’s dominance as a broadband ISP enables pricing flexibility that can avoid adverse financial impact.
Download audio narration to iPod, iPad, and iPhone here.
Presently most consumers have little choice but to get high speed Internet access from either the Cable operator or the local Telco. The two industries have enjoyed a near duopoly on broadband ISP service for decades. Like Pavlov’s dogs, both shall likely try to meet the challenge of cord cutting with a time-proven strategy of bundled pricing.
For example, in Albany (NY) Time Warner Cable raised its Internet-only monthly rate from $50 to $55. But customers choosing both CATV and Internet service are billed only $57. One stock analyst also argues that the Cable-Telco duopoly would enable both industries to move toward usage-based ISP pricing if Pay TV cord cutting continues. He asserts ISPs may have “no choice” as bandwidth intensive video streaming becomes more popular. Read more…
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What is High Speed Fiber Optic ISP Service Really Like?
Posted on January 12, 2008
If you would like to know what truly high-speed Internet service is like, this interview is for you.
Our guest today is Erik Heels who is an MIT-educated Engineer and patent lawyer. He publishes his own blog about technology, law, baseball, and rock ‘n’ roll. We talk to him about his experience with FiOS high speed Internet access, and related topics.
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