lml2000
Whazzup
join:2000-08-17
Los Angeles, CA
 ·RoadRunner Cable
| Possibilities
Have always believed that Rupe's failed attempt to successfully bid for DTV's own wireless frequency was the impetus to reevaluate his position in the DBS company.
Seems the deal with Liberty, however, was spurred more by Rupe's interest in freeing NewsCorp of Liberty's interest in the DTV parent. Rupe's getting up there & wants to be sure he (& his legacies) have sufficient control over the Newscorp empire. I think the last thing Rupe wanted to see was Malone make a play for Newscorp after he is gone to the big satellite in the sky.
Rumors are abound that Malone might try to merge DTV with DISH. I don't see this immediately happening. Rather, one possibility that might be up Malone's sleeves, is given his content, his cable background, he may be able to carve out a deal with either cable or the "new video-cable telcos" to deliver a broadband wired connection to DTV customers.
What's unique with Newscorp & Liberty is that both are primarily in the content business. Both has entered the distribution business for the purpose of ensuring distribution of their content. Now that content no longer just requires broadcast distribution, but also interactive Internet distribution, it is imperative that Newscorp/Liberty either own, or have access to, the broadband pipe. If the economics don't lend to purchase or buildout, then the only option is negotiate access, using their assets (content) as leverage.
WiMAX, IMHO, while not necessarily a dream, is essentially untest, unproven, & likely around 5 years away from ubiquitous reality. DTV cannot wait for that to happen, nor take the risk it ever will happen. So, I expect Malone, in all his craftiness, to negotiate broadband access with either cable or the telcos. JMO, & a long shot. |
Alpine
Premium
join:2000-01-11
Atlanta, GA
| said by lml2000  :Rumors are abound that Malone might try to merge DTV with DISH. I don't see this immediately happening. From what I remember, the FCC has informally said that they wouldn't be able to merge since they directly compete (unlike AT&T/BellSouth, for example) and are the only two major providers of satellite.
I've got DTV and really like it for the most part, but Dish's HD w/ DVR offerings are better and cheaper (at least for the hardware.) I don't have HDTV yet, but hopefully soon. I've stuck with DTV because they've got the exclusive NFL package, which is great. But I'll be willing to check out Dish and Lightspeed when AT&T merges and starts offering it in the South. We'll see. Anyone but Comcast! 
Adam |
