FCC to Cable Industry: “Open wide”
The FCC has ruled to open the Cable industry in a surprise move from an agency that is notable for NOT regulating markets. This decision is, however, consistent with the idea that since Cable companies have enjoyed an unsual monopoly-esque sort of status in media for some time, and have taken advantage of that by rising cable rates much faster than inflation would suggest they should have. The New York Times reports.
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Its a rare thing that I’m in favor of regulation, but this is one case that I think is long overdue.
Cable deregulation’s number 1 selling point was that it would lower prices for consumers. Instead, after taxes and fees $60.00+ a month for 100 channels, 70 of which I never watch? No thanks.
Yes, the pricing is probably where they jumped the shark - check out the graph in the NYT where it compares increase in cable cost to inflation.
As with Cell Phone industry I have *ZERO* brand loyalty, and almost have a negative loyalty in the sense I want new companies who do a better job of taking care of my needs than my current folks.