2006-06-15

The End of the Internet and Cable TV As We Know It

If the US Senate joins the House in passing the COPE Act, the Internet and cable television will change forever. Critics of the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement (COPE) Act claim that American citizens will suffer a tremendous blow to the freedoms promised by the miracles of 21st century technology if the bill is signed into law.

7 comments:

Paul Hue said...

In so far as I've examined this topic, I am supporting the law, which seems to open the interne to market forces, which has a history of providing the best possible goods and services to the most possible people at the lowest possible costs and the greatest possible amount of reward for the providers.

Nadir said...

However, deregulation coupled with media consolidation has proven to be detrimental to consumers and providers alike.

Case in point: When is the last time you listened to a commercial radio station and heard new music that you liked?

When is the last time you heard of a radio station being purchased by a small business?

Providers will eventually price small business out of the Internet market. Only the rich will survive.

Paul Hue said...

"The market" has rendered these outlets increasingly meaningless. When was the last time I relied on the radio to provide me my music, even in my car? With satalite radio, I can get all sorts of talk and music... more than ever. And with my ipod and internet connection, I can become my own commuter drive programming director. The world just keeps on getting better... where free markets prevail.

Paul Hue said...

I don't even have to rely on a single source of TV documentaries -- PBS -- any more, with various History-type channels. And with my cable tv price now providing me a TV, I an be my own TV programming director!

Nadir said...

So how many sources do you have for the Internet?

One?

Where else can you blog for free?

Paul Hue said...

Nadir, what do you mean by "sources for the internet"? Many companies compete to provide access to the internet.

You may be referencing the single network known as the internet. Or is it millions of networks, linked together by mutual agreements?

Nadir said...

It is millions of networks. The better term would be the Internets.

And yes, there is only one group of Internets though there are several providers. However, there are only a few providers for broadband.