>From Benton's: Issue: Broadband The cable industry, so far is the only operator with the capability of bringing broadband into homes. To fight for open access, a number of Internet service providers (ISPs): AOL, Mindspring, and US West, have formed Open Net, McConnell reports. This consortium and other critics of the cable industry are asking that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to open up cable's broadband capable "pipe" to all ISPs. The cable industry says they would need to be reimbursed for leasing their network and re-routing around ISP's is technically impossible. Although the FCC has refused to require that TCI/AT&T open their network to American Online, FCC Chairman William Kennard says he will revisit the issue if consumer access is hurt. Content providers, such as A. H. Belo who provide @ Home, TCI's ISP, with print content may be restricted down the road because @Home will only let them provide 10 minutes of video streaming, McConnell reports. In addition, AOL says that @Home content is also privileged over any other because customers would have to pay the ISP that provides them with the content they want, along with their subscription to @Home. NBC and Disney/ABC, which run their own video portals, have refused to join the consortium, Open Net. Stephen Brown, director of public policy for New World Paradigm Ltd. says, it is wrong for broadcasters to not get involved: "Broadcasters ought to be the first ones in the video streaming business." [SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p. 26), AUTHOR: Bill McConnell] <http://www.broadcastingcable.com/> > Kathy E. Gill > DCAC/MRM Methods Communication -- 425.965.6901 > Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our >potential. ~ Liane Cardes > Microsoft Exchange: the perfect name for its users' greatest desire! > ____________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------- Join The NEW Web Consultants Association FORUMS and CHAT: Register Today at: http://just4u.com/forums/ Web Consultants Web Site : http://just4u.com/webconsultants Give the Gift of Life This Year... Just4U Stop Smoking Support forum - helping smokers for over three years-tell a friend: http://just4u.com/forums/ To get 500 Banner Ads for FREE go to http://www.linkbuddies.com/start.go?id=111261 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
