[opendtv] Re: Spectrum Utility

Cable started entirely in the private sector, though there were a few municipal operations (self sustaining). DBS was also private. 

TTFN,
Mark


dan.grimes@xxxxxxxx wrote:
There has been discussion for some time on how a utility might be developed to provide digital media over a broad spectrum using the TV spectrum. Recently there has been discussion with arguments on how it would be paid for, even suggesting this would be a socialist undertaking.
But didn't the cable companies get started with government money? If I remember right, the cable system installed in Las Vegas was paid for by tax payers to get it initially installed. Then, Prime Cable (at the time) ran it and paid Clark County a franchise fee. Now that the cable system is well established, it is run privately (and pretty much a monopoly, I might add). But I believe additions to the system are still funded by development fees and not direct corporate outlays.
Did all the funding to start DBS come from private investments? For some reason I thought there was government help there, too. 

But perhaps I am mistaken.

Dan




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