Mike, I'd like to address the technical implications which you mentioned at some later time.
The broader implications of this deal, however, are huge. The fallout will be much larger than most have taken the time to consider fully. I, for one, despite trying to, have not even begun to digest and comprehend all of things that it portends.
This combinatin transcends the technologies and the jockeying for access which we normally discuss here, and will affect multiple sectors, not just the ISP access space.
AOL didn't simply acquire some rusty F-connectors, a few miles of backbone fiber, some black coaxial cable and the RoadRunner headends. They acquired all of Time Warner Entertainment.
It'll be some time before I fully appreciate what this deal actually means in all its colors, and I suspect that this will hold true for others here, too. VoIP will seem like Popcorn Change at the candy counter when this thing begins to blossom.
At this moment every other media company of notable size, and every large telecomm player, bar none... and that includes IXCs, LECs and ISPs, in addition to every other MSO, is shaking nervously in their boots wondering who they will find that is left to partner with on this scale.
Watch out where you step around these guys (i.e., the remaining suitors I've just listed). I hear there are already some wet spots on the ground near where they stand.
Stay tuned. Frank |
