You say competition, I say oligopoly: Time Warner has "effective competition" in San Diego according to FCC
The FCC has revoked any need to regulate basic cable rates in many parts of San Diego for Time Warner. The FCC's decision that there is "effective competition" for Time Warner in San Diego probably means a likely future rise in basic cable rates. This is particularly troublesome because many people use basic cable as basic "lifeline" connection community media.
The decision rests on a finding that the Local Exchange Carrier, in this case AT&T, is providing comparable services. Am I the only person who thinks 2 competitors is not effective competition? I don't think so. Especially when Uverse requires various combinations of bundling of its TV/Phone/Internet services, and does not offer certain services a la carte.
Anyway, consumers should take any raise in basic rates as an opportunity to ditch their basic cable altogether and opt for alternative options, such as getting phone and video services ENTIRELY through the Internet.
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| FCC decision regarding Time Warner effective competition DA-09-284A1.pdf | 86.14 KB |
Communications: Cable & Satellite TV -
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Internet Phone
My primary concern of going to internet phone service is the need to keep the computer and associated equipment (modem & router) powered at all times. That can be a considerable increase in power consumption overall, and if it's the only reason for keeping the computer on the cost must be bundled with the service.
The computer does not need to
The computer does not need to stay on and the phone device consumes very little energy.
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