Google Fiber just might be the best thing that ever happened to the internet, but it might not grow as fast as we would like. We can talk about cord cutting all we want, but the bottom line is that most Americans like the triple play bundle that cable companies offer. You know, those package deals that consist of TV programming, phone service, and the internet.
TV programming is where Google has the biggest hurdle according to Google Fiber head Milo Medin, who spoke at the COMPTEL telecom conference yesterday. They simply don't have their own programming (other than YouTube), and the TV Studios are charging them more. Competitors like Comcast own production companies and they pay a lot less for their programming.
Google Fiber is supposed to lower prices overall by spurring competitiveness, but if it's stifled from growing due to these high costs, the cable companies have no incentive to be competitive.
What do you guys think? Will the TV studios ever treat Google fairly?
source: Washington Post
I didn’t realize they offered TV. It wouldn’t even be something I would use. I’d use internet and nothing more. Why does every ISP try to bundle services I’m never going to use?
i don’t think it right to think the cable companies, that have invested in production, should offer competitors equal pricing. They had the vision to make the acquisitions that have afforded them this advantage.
I think Google should be looking to do what it does best. Think outside the box, partner with Netflix, Hulu, or some other company & start producing their own content. It has been working for Amazon, Netflix & Hulu. They have produced numerous pilots & even let their customers have a say in what gets picked up & expanded upon.
Personally, I cut the cord this year. I won’t give another dime to these “open-internet” killing companies.