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[Boreas]

Originally Posted by finnbow

Doesn't the idea of spectrum become irrelevant with cable?

Well, yes and no. Satellite TV uses spectrum. Also, spectrum has been given a new lease on life with over-the-air HDTV and HD radio, especially radio. As I said before, however, I'm beginning to wonder whether bandwidth ought to be viewed in the same way as spectrum. That would cover cable but it would also cover the internet and I'm not sure how that would shake out.

John

[bobabode]

[QUOTE=bobabode;111706]Now that you've mentioned it the network in my area (Time Warner) was promised to the public as an infrastructure improvement The deal allowed these companies exclusive useage for a period of time to recoup their investment in cabling, switching - etc. I hope that answers your question about where I get my outlandish ideas about who is in charge of the "networks." CableTV was being sold that way in Maryland too IIRC. It was seven or so years out here then it was leased out to the highest bidder.

QUOTE]

Originally Posted by whell

It's becoming less relevant all the time. Spectrum is not required with cable, except to the extent that they rebroadcast the local channels - and I believe they pay a fee to do so. Otherwise they own the cable lines and network hubs and facilities for transmission of the signal, and pay for the content that they deliver.

So my memory is faulty is what you are saying?

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by whell

It's becoming less relevant all the time. Spectrum is not required with cable, except to the extent that they rebroadcast the local channels - and I believe they pay a fee to do so. Otherwise they own the cable lines and network hubs and facilities for transmission of the signal, and pay for the content that they deliver.

Spectrum is an integral part of cable TV service. Cable is transmitted from the programmers, like HBO or your local TV station, to the cable companies via microwave transmission. It's only after that point that copper or fiber optic enters the picture.

John

[whell]

Originally Posted by Boreas

Spectrum is an integral part of cable TV service. Cable is transmitted from the programmers, like HBO or your local TV station, to the cable companies via microwave transmission. It's only after that point that copper or fiber optic enters the picture.

John

Yup. I thought we were talking about the spectrum serving customers, but yes, there's the "other end" as well.

[bhunter]

Originally Posted by Boreas

I don't and I don't think boba was saying that he did. What I would like to see is these media companies paying for spectrum. As I see it, our airwaves are a part of the commons, just like our public lands. I think it's just as wrong for Congress to give it away for commercial exploitation as it would be for them to give away logging or mineral rights on public lands. (I know. they pretty much do that now.) I'm not there yet but I'm close to considering bandwidth in the same light as I do spectrum.

John

I thought spectrum was already purchased via periodic auctions? Fortunately, technology has allowed this limited resource to move more data/information with decreasing bandwidth.

[merrylander]

Broadcast licenses are granted free but with periodic revue. If anyone feels the broadcaster did not provide good service to the public they can lodge a complaint at revue time with the FCC.