"Further details have emerged on plans by BT for its proposed broadband television service, now aiming to launch next summer, promising the ability to catch up with television programmes from the previous week. BT will offer a hybrid broadband and broadcast system, combining a digital terrestrial television receiver with an Ethernet network connection. Industry reports suggest that it will include an electronic programme guide featuring programmes for fourteen days in advance and seven days previous. Digital terrestrial transmissions currently carry details of programmes for the next week, in fact up to 8 days ahead, although schedules are published for two weeks in advance. The ability to go back in time by up to a week is seen as the killer application, using a network based video-on-demand system. Video Networks, which operates the HomeChoice service in the London area, already offers the ability to catch-up on particular programmes. Cable operator Telewest is planning a similar service that it calls Teleport Replay."
Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...