[opendtv] Re: TVE definition

  • From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2015 02:34:39 +0000

Craig Birkmaier wrote:

But the ability to compete nationally is limited by the fact that
they are local monopolies and do not have the rights to sell the
content they buy outside of their distribution footprints. Yes
this could change, but it's not just a case of asking Dish how
they did it.

Well, in a sense, it is. The problem isn't that this is all that difficult. The
problem is that it turns upside down and sideways an old model that has stood
the MVPDs well for many decades now. They may become small fish in a much
bigger pond, as opposed to big fish in a small pond. This is what happens when
technology changes, though. It was not possible before, now it is. And the new
approach is more competitive, giving the consumer an advantage, compared with
what the old technology allowed.

The issue is not TV, it is broadband. As much as you love the
ability of the Internet to support competition, in the end, we
will still be buying the crucial broadband service from
government regulated monopolies.

Yes, but it's more nuanced than what you say. You are painting with too broad
a brush. A national monopoly can force whatever it wants on customers.

You mentioned Comcast. Comcast is a local monopoly in most places, because it
uses cable. If it gets a national footprint, it can force its solution on
everyone. If it wanted to retain the walled garden MVPD model, it could drag
its feet forever, and that would be outside any broadband neutrality mandate.

Whereas if multiple companies could compete everywhere, EVEN WITH a national
footprint, that's not such a big deal. The bad actor loses customers, and would
have to rethink.

For instance, a bunch of competitive WISPs, each with national footprint, isn't
so bad. Just like, IMO, a bunch of OTA TV station groups, each with national
footprint, aren't so bad either. But it is not practical to offer multiple
competitive wired ISPs everywhere. (Unless you separate the infrastructure
cabling from the rest of the infrastructure, and heavily regulate that monopoly
cable plant.)

Bert



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