[opendtv] Re: We Need Real Competition, Not a Cable-Internet Monopoly
- From: Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2014 08:37:47 -0500
Hey Bert.
I suggested that you argue with the author of the article that re-enforces my
arguments.
Once again you ignore the facts and argue with me.
Regards
Craig
> On Feb 14, 2014, at 9:31 PM, "Manfredi, Albert E"
> <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> Craig Birkmaier wrote:
>
>> An interesting analysis!
>>
>> The author provides a very good explanation of why we are in such a
>> sorry, expensive mess in the U.S. when it comes to the relationship
>> between government and the media oligopoly.
>>
>> In essence the author tells us we need an "Act of Congress" to
>> restore competition.
>>
>> Maybe Bert can argue with him!
>
> I have to admit, it really makes me laugh when I see people whining about
> their addicition. Plus, this article, like so many others I've seen, paints
> with too broad a brush. They need to break down the costs.
>
> I think we pay $30/mo for broadband (ADSL, 1.5-2 Mb/s down), much like they
> quote as starting price for the UK; I get 51 channels of free H/DTV, much
> like the UK; I get thousands of other FOTI TV programs too. So honestly,
> those who feel compelled to pay $150-$200/mo cable TV bills don't get a lot
> of sympathy from me. Perhaps the author is unaware that FOTA and FOTI DTV
> exists? Wouldn't not surprise me.
>
> (Plus, examples where TV is paid for by TV tax revenues are HARDLY relevant
> here.)
>
> However, we *do* pay through the nose for telephone service, combined land
> line and cellular. And quite honestly, a HUGE fraction of that is taxes. So
> in spite of what Susan Crawford was quoted as saying, it's most likely not
> broadband *or* TV that costs a lot here. It's instead our heavily taxed
> telephone service. Maybe that's because we have to subsidize phone service to
> people who live in the middle of the Rockies, I don't know. Certainly,
> countries like Korea and Japan don't have that problem.
>
> If cable TV subscribers "pay too much," that's because MVPDs are not heavily
> regulated like the utilities, and because MVPD subscribers are unrepressed. I
> think it's funny to hear Craig asking for "an act of Congress" to protect
> unrepressed people from themselves. Inelastic demand begs for high prices.
> Duh.
>
> I anything, the FCC attempt to classify broadband as a telco service can only
> make matters worse. Just like telephone service.
>
> Also, of course, compare apples with apples. What is this $30 triple play
> service in Zurich? How many TV stations? I'll bet it's the TV selection that
> the Swiss want to migrate to OTA. They get what, 4 channels for free now?
>
> Hopefully, 4G and 5G will give the wired broadband providers some more
> competition, but I don't see that as the long pole in this tent.
>
> Bert
>
>
>
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