To: Frank A. Coluccio who wrote (10481 ) 6/5/1999 3:26:00 PM From: Rippletum Read Replies (1) | Respond to
Frank, I don't fully understand the infrastructure of the cable system nor that of athm nor all of the various abbreviations used in your posts. However, I have been trying to understand how the Portland case ruling will affect athm and I think that there are some reasons why this ruling could be very positive to athm's future. First of all, it was my understanding that prior to the MediaOne merger, many were concerned that Athm would have its contractual agreement terminated in July of 2002, if Comcast merged with MediaOne and thus also lose any potential merger relationship with TWX's service Roadrunner. The thinking was that when the contract rights ended in July of 2002, Athm could then lose its rights to provide net access over Comcasts lines. Now it seems that if the local govt's force open access, Athm will be able to merge with Roadrunner without causing regulatory ire, set up shop on other MSO's as a matter of right thus eliminating the contractual sharing of revenues including TWX's lines if no deal with Roadrunner. Furthermore, Athm, once it is in could no longer be removed by an MSO. Thus, a crucial issue is how easy would it be to re-create an Athm type service? If the cost is significant, then I think it is rather ingenious that all T will be providing is the "dump pipe" which will then require some other party having to build out an Athm type system. Also if Athm is required to lease out its system, then wouldn't this be good for Athm because of the revenues. The worst thing that can happen is if the cable companies and athm slow their build out. I hope T will not slow its upgrades, but that is being threatened.
