People are just too nervous about the DSL/CABLE issue recently. If I am the consumer, I will decide which service I am to subscribe based on the content and price, not based on if the service is through DSL/CABLE . So I will first decide which service will provide the best content, and if that service is distributed through
DSL, then I use DSL, or CABLE. If similar service provided now through CABLE
can be provided through DSL, then I will probably switch to DSL, because the current CABLE service is way too expensive comparing to telephone line, and is still
going up.
If AOL want to globalize its business, then satellite is the only solution, otherwise AOL will just limit its business in the US .
It is stupid for AT&T to be in the same business as AOL, and the best strategy is to sell off ATHM and concentrate on the CABLE access provider business, and open up the access to everyone, which will maximize its market share. If AT&T shut off
AOL, it will just hurt itself in the short and long run, because DSL, satellite will
come to play pretty soon, if AT&T does not want AOL's business ( Subscribers),
someone will. |
