aja8888
Moderator Emeritus
Did someone say "FREE"?
Heck, it's not FREE Bacon though.
Did someone say "FREE"?
Hopefully, this helps re-calibrate expectations: Competition and choice are fine, as long as the business model for a new competitor isn't based on violating the law and ignoring someone else's property rights. I think recent changes (related to the recently announced, online-only HBO service, for example), show the best path forward.
Probably much easier claim to make for those who can get the major networks OTA. Funny how the major networks fight for "property rights" on something they give away for free over-the-air to those lucky enough to be within the range of OTA signal.
...
As mentioned, it is their property rights and they should have a say on how their property is to be used....
Yes, but their business model is to show commercials.... and if you want it free OTA you either record it on your own device or watch it live....
If you do neither of these, they want to control how you look view it later... you can go to their website and watch (and may or may not get commercials) or use a service where they are paid some fee...
As mentioned, it is their property rights and they should have a say on how their property is to be used....
A home network connecting every residence and business of Burlington was conceived in the 1980s. There were a number of failed attempts in the 1990s. A funding source could not be found. An experienced telecommunications expert, Tim Nulty, was hired as a consultant by the city. Nulty became General Manager of the newly created Burlington Telecom, a division of the city government. The network was laid in stages. The first stage was finished and profitable by 2003. The first and second stages became profitable by 2006. This led local government officials to believe the project would result in a major funding source for public coffers in the future.
In September 2009 Burlington informed the Vermont Public Service Board it had used $17 million in city money to support Burlington Telecom operations since early 2008. The failure to repay that loan was a violation of Burlington Telecom's state license. The revelation prompted a forensic audit of Burlington Telecom by the Public Service Department and, in early 2010, a criminal referral to the Vermont Attorney General. Two private citizens also filed suit in Chittenden Superior Court in Burlington to compel Burlington Telecom to repay the $17 million.
A special committee created by the City Council and including four citizens experienced in finance or telecommunications concluded in January 2010 that Burlington Telecom was unable to support its debt load. In mid-February 2010, Burlington Telecom defaulted on an interest payment of $386,000 to its commercial lender, CitiLeasing.
fifyno thanks... A city near us tried this and it was an unmitigated disaster and has cost taxpayers millions so that's not the way.
Nickname for the left-leaning Burlington, popularized during the mayoral tenure of now US Senator Bernie Sanders, who is a self-proclaimed democratic socialist.
Just because one city did it wrong doesn't mean it can't be done right.No thanks... a progressive city near us tried this and it was an unmitigated disaster and has cost taxpayers millions so a socialist response is not the way.
I wasn't understating it, just showing how the same thing could be said without the partisan and political references.
that which we call a roseWas that 'fify' from MichaelB the moderator, or as a personal post?
-ERD50
If the available competition is inadequate in the minds of citizens, then the answer is for citizens to provide the competition, not to allow exploitative companies like Aereo to cannibalize the rights of legitimate businesses.No thanks... a progressive city near us tried this and it was an unmitigated disaster and has cost taxpayers millions so a socialist response is not the way.