[opendtv] Spectrum Utility
- From: dan.grimes@xxxxxxxx
- To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:36:50 -0800
There has been discussion for some time on how a utility might be developed
to provide digital media over a broad spectrum using the TV spectrum.
Recently there has been discussion with arguments on how it would be paid
for, even suggesting this would be a socialist undertaking.
But didn't the cable companies get started with government money? If I
remember right, the cable system installed in Las Vegas was paid for by tax
payers to get it initially installed. Then, Prime Cable (at the time) ran
it and paid Clark County a franchise fee. Now that the cable system is
well established, it is run privately (and pretty much a monopoly, I might
add). But I believe additions to the system are still funded by
development fees and not direct corporate outlays.
Did all the funding to start DBS come from private investments? For some
reason I thought there was government help there, too.
But perhaps I am mistaken.
Dan
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