Quote:That's not really true.  Some do and some don't.  As far as cable/satellite/Uverse etc. they kind of care right now.  It's more-or-less a monopoly so "the price" is pretty much fixed no matter the provider.  The two big companies in the Jacksonville market (Comcast and AT&T) are implementing data restrictions right now.  It's pretty much aimed at the "cord cutters" since video content is being streamed over data lines rather than the traditional way.

 

IF and when Google Fiber does come to Jacksonville, I'll bet that prices from Comcast, AT&T, DISH Network, DirectTV, etc. drop like a rock.  The reality is that what consumers want to watch is available from means other than the traditional cable/satellite system in place right now.  Consumers also want to watch media not only on their televisions, but also on their tablet, smart phone, laptop, etc.

 

I suspect that traditional "cable" is going to pretty much vanish.  Satellite television/internet access won't go away as fast since there is a market in rural areas, but it's only a matter of time.  Pretty soon the competition between copper wires and fiber lines is going to be decided with fiber winning.

 

Google and Facebook are already working on wireless broadband technology.  The mobile companies are working on 5g.   I think in the long run that wins out.   If any of them succeed, you'll have a situation where wireless broadband is cheaper, faster, and more reliable than the wired alternatives.  If this happens, disgruntled customers will flock to wireless in droves.   At the very least, the current monopoly providers will be forced to improve their service.

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