<<< Agree. But, do you agree its (awesome financial consequences * 2) to MSFT and AOL
shareholders? >>>
Yes, but you said it when you said MSFT has billions in assets (and in the bank). AOL has lots of cash from selling all those XCIT shares a month or 2 ago. I think that the traditional shareholders of ATT, who are of the widows and orphan mind set, might be more "risk adverse" than those who hold shares in MSFT or AOL. Remember this cable broadband-telephony deal is still unproven.
<<Don't forget that MSFT is an ISP too, and a good one. Both AOL and MSFT have
strong contents, but when they get together who is going to be the first? MSFT has had
a foot in CMCAS (sic) (and ATHM) for a while, why bother to invite AOL with its #1
content? I thought ATT is MSFT's concern here, invite AOL only makes MSFT
broadband dream unpredictable. Since when MSFT give people the impression that
they like to share? If MSFT is really serious, they can go alone with CMCSA.>>>
This is more about trying to make sure T doesn't get too much control of the broadband world. Lets face it, if T does get control of UMG Aol and MSFT don't have much of a chance to play in cable broadband land. It is to everyone's advantage (including T) that T doesn't get UMG.....It just invites the regulators to start regulating. The heard will demand "open access",and they will get it. Regulated internet telephony, won't be any fun either because the RBOCs will cry foul.
<<The cable cos own the pipe, ATHM is just the content. AND CABLE COS OWNS
ATHM!>> Sure Cox and CVC own a few shares of ATHM. I have said here that this is a good way to own some ATHM without all that risk. But after 2002, Cox and CVC can sign up another ISP and still keep the shares.
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