silica
join:2004-05-20
Duluth, GA
| Re: Where do you draw the line? The answer is that most unbiased people would draw the line at is IP is an unregulated data service, while rf broadcast, including over fiber, is "regular TV" where local communities have some argument that they should get a franchise fee. Therefore, SBC which seeks to offer only IPTV probably does not need to get franchise approvals while Verizon plans to offer rf videofirst on FIOS, since IPTV isn't technically ready yet.
On an more editorial note: If people want fiber deployment quicker (more speed) and a competitive triple play environment (lower prices), it makes little sense to argue for socking the Bell companies with a franchise fee. Plus the cable companies can offer phone services on IP without any regulation. |
