Very interesting & important issue you raise, Frank. With all the debate of open or forced access about, why has T permitted ATHM to lead the charge here?
Important to note that although T is a majority shareholder, it is no longer a super-majority (2/3) shareholder since it was required to relinquish some shares to TWX & COX for failure of the TCI to upgrade its system to a pre-agreed benchmark. The other MSOs now hold veto power. Bottom line is that T does not hold absolute control over ATHM ; the interests of the other MSO shareholders must be recognized.
Arguably, other MSOs, whose interests are also impacted by potential agreements T may negotiate with other ISP or content providers, may more appropriately be handled by ATHM's management, & then submitted to controlling shareholders for consideration. I agree with you, it doesn't look like it is the best foot to put forward with all this media attention.
Additionally, discussions may be occurring at the more technical levels, requiring my intimate familiarity with the ATHM network & how these other providers may be able to tie-in without sucking up bandwidth on the shared pipes. Just a guess.
Comments, Frank? |
