Why is cable so expensive?

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
I need to tap into one of South Korea's jiggabit pipes....

Are Americans allowed there and to get jobs???

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
I need to tap into one of South Korea's jiggabit pipes....

Are Americans allowed there and to get jobs???

 

[Marinski]

Is there a way to just get the cable TV on your computer through your internet connection? Instead of buying a cable tv and internet package, just buy the internet package and get the TV through your computer. Somebody knows.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Marinski
Is there a way to just get the cable TV on your computer through your internet connection? Instead of buying a cable tv and internet package, just buy the internet package and get the TV through your computer. Somebody knows.

AT&T wants to do just that and Congress voted to allow them to do that (See various threads on the demise of Net Nuetrality) however in order to that they must break the Internet into two Tiers. Low cost and high cost.

You will have to pay more of course.

Enjoy.

 

[Linux23]

AMEN

 

[Insane3D]

Who let Dave out of his cage?

 

[Alkaline5]

I work for a large university and the dorms here receive an analog cable package that rivals the channel lineup of commercial mid-grade digital packages (cable is also how internet connections are provided in most of the older dorms). The university is able to provide these channels for something like $15 per month per dorm room.

I understand that the costs of supporting a city-wide infrastructure are probably much higher than for a single university, but 3x the price seems like a rather large disparity.

 

[Rage187]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Rage187
Where we live now will not allow you to have dishes out in your yard or visible on the house.

That's illegal.

http://www.dish-free-satellite-system.com/hoas.html

We live in a townhouse

7 Years ago when we bought the place we joined the HOA and signed an agreement that we couldn't put a dish up on the house since we don't have a balcolny. The only place they could go is behind the house and the area behind us is a common space and insurance won't allow it; not our insurance but the property insurance which we pay for seperate from our home owners insurance.

Now we could change the bylaws if we got enough people to complain with us, but we leave in November. So I won't bitch, I just plan on switching. Oh and FIOS is going to be in our new subdivision, fiber FTW!

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Amused
I see lots of accusations of gouging and monopolistic price fixing and it's all conjecture until you show me the profit margins of cable companies and how those margins compare to other private companies.

This thread is a perfect example of people believing what they want to believe.

BTW, I am against the government sanctioned monopolies of utility and communication companies. But I have a strong suspicion that cable companies do not have the huge profit margins to support the accusations of gouging in this thread.

Technology has improved making the cost of delivery of said technology cheaper to provide.

The fact that prices are rising beyond the cost of inflation clearly points to Corporate Whoring.

Nothing more nothing less.

I know you bow to the Corporate Gods but many others do not have to extra cash burning in their pockets to give to your Gods.

I know asking you for facts is like beating my head against a brick wall, but this question stands for anyone willing to answer:

What is the profit margin for cable companies? How does that margin stand up against satellite companies and other private sector companies?

You can make that brainless accusation all day long, Dave. But until you produce factual numbers showing profit margins that are wildly higher than other providers and other private sector companies, all you're doing is pulling accusations out of your ass.

BTW, why shouldn't cable companies prices be going up faster than inflation? They just had to introduce four new technologies in the past decade with billions in new infrastructure to support it.

Now, I'll tell you what: Put up or shut up. Either post profit margin comparisons from reputable sources or stop making baseless accusations biased by your ignorant pseudo political viewpoint.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Rage187

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Rage187
Where we live now will not allow you to have dishes out in your yard or visible on the house.

That's illegal.

http://www.dish-free-satellite-system.com/hoas.html

We live in a townhouse

7 Years ago when we bought the place we joined the HOA and signed an agreement that we couldn't put a dish up on the house since we don't have a balcolny. The only place they could go is behind the house and the area behind us is a common space and insurance won't allow it; not our insurance but the property insurance which we pay for seperate from our home owners insurance.

Now we could change the bylaws if we got enough people to complain with us, but we leave in November. So I won't bitch, I just plan on switching. Oh and FIOS is going to be in our new subdivision, fiber FTW!

Bummer. Looks like you signed away your rights.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: Rage187

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Rage187
Where we live now will not allow you to have dishes out in your yard or visible on the house.

That's illegal.

http://www.dish-free-satellite-system.com/hoas.html

We live in a townhouse

7 Years ago when we bought the place we joined the HOA and signed an agreement that we couldn't put a dish up on the house since we don't have a balcolny. The only place they could go is behind the house and the area behind us is a common space and insurance won't allow it; not our insurance but the property insurance which we pay for seperate from our home owners insurance.

Now we could change the bylaws if we got enough people to complain with us, but we leave in November. So I won't bitch, I just plan on switching. Oh and FIOS is going to be in our new subdivision, fiber FTW!

Those provisions in the HOA agreement may not be enforceable. You may want to have a look at OTARD..

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Amused
I see lots of accusations of gouging and monopolistic price fixing and it's all conjecture until you show me the profit margins of cable companies and how those margins compare to other private companies.

This thread is a perfect example of people believing what they want to believe.

BTW, I am against the government sanctioned monopolies of utility and communication companies. But I have a strong suspicion that cable companies do not have the huge profit margins to support the accusations of gouging in this thread.

Technology has improved making the cost of delivery of said technology cheaper to provide.

The fact that prices are rising beyond the cost of inflation clearly points to Corporate Whoring.

Nothing more nothing less.

I know you bow to the Corporate Gods but many others do not have to extra cash burning in their pockets to give to your Gods.

I know asking you for facts is like beating my head against a brick wall, but this question stands for anyone willing to answer:

What is the profit margin for cable companies? How does that margin stand up against satellite companies and other private sector companies?

You can make that brainless accusation all day long, Dave. But until you produce factual numbers showing profit margins that are wildly higher than other providers and other private sector companies, all you're doing is pulling accusations out of your ass.

BTW, why shouldn't cable companies prices be going up faster than inflation? They just had to introduce four new technologies in the past decade with billions in new infrastructure to support it.

Now, I'll tell you what: Put up or shut up. Either post profit margin comparisons from reputable sources or stop making baseless accusations biased by your ignorant pseudo political viewpoint.

COMCAST CORPORATION one-year net profit margin: 5.5%
Difference from the company's 5-year average net profit margin: -0.6 pct. pts.
Difference from the average for the CATV Systems group: 1.5 pct. pts.

Net profit margins (%)
Company 5.5%
Company 5-Yr Avg. 6.1%
Industry 4.0%

Those evil capitalist whores! How dare them have those outrageous profit margin numbers!

Comcast

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: MathMan
I can think of three possible reasons:

1) Because you are paying it, so i t obviously is worth it to you.

and

2) Because cable internet > DSL.

3) Because cable > satellite for multi-TV homes

Its number 1.

Thats the determining factor behind the price of ANY product or service.
What are you willing to pay?
Thats what they charge.

How come they sell Xboxes and Playstations at a loss?
Because they cant possibly sell them at a profit. No one will pay.

If you really want to reduce the cost, call them up and ask to cancel.
When they ask you why, tell them its the price of service. You may get lucky and get offered a better deal, especially if you've been a good customer for a while.
Thats how I got the interest rate on my Citibank card reduced from 18% to 8%. I told them I was sick of the high interest rate and they gave in.
(Of course, they could jack it up in a few months, but I can always threaten to leave again.)

 

[Eos]

Originally posted by: Eeezee

Originally posted by: miri
Because they have a Monopoly

Cable internet is the only highspeed internet available in my area

Even if DSL were available in my area, I would still need a land line which I dont have since I only use cellphones

Yeah, DSL is unfortunately just too expensive if you don't already have the land line. I'm in the same situation. It would cost me more to use DSL with the bare minimum 1.5Mbps download than to use cable internet.

With Qwest, standalone (no phone service) DSL at 1.5mb/896k is the same price as 256k/256 DSL with a basic phone line. About $50 USD.

We have Charter:

Expanded cable TV - $45
her 3mb/256k internet - $32 with one year contract
taxes - $10-12 or so

Qwest phone and DSL:

basic phone - less than $20
1.5mb/896k with static IP - $49.95

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Amused
I see lots of accusations of gouging and monopolistic price fixing and it's all conjecture until you show me the profit margins of cable companies and how those margins compare to other private companies.

This thread is a perfect example of people believing what they want to believe.

BTW, I am against the government sanctioned monopolies of utility and communication companies. But I have a strong suspicion that cable companies do not have the huge profit margins to support the accusations of gouging in this thread.

Technology has improved making the cost of delivery of said technology cheaper to provide.

The fact that prices are rising beyond the cost of inflation clearly points to Corporate Whoring.

Nothing more nothing less.

I know you bow to the Corporate Gods but many others do not have to extra cash burning in their pockets to give to your Gods.

I know asking you for facts is like beating my head against a brick wall, but this question stands for anyone willing to answer:

What is the profit margin for cable companies? How does that margin stand up against satellite companies and other private sector companies?

You can make that brainless accusation all day long, Dave. But until you produce factual numbers showing profit margins that are wildly higher than other providers and other private sector companies, all you're doing is pulling accusations out of your ass.

BTW, why shouldn't cable companies prices be going up faster than inflation? They just had to introduce four new technologies in the past decade with billions in new infrastructure to support it.

Now, I'll tell you what: Put up or shut up. Either post profit margin comparisons from reputable sources or stop making baseless accusations biased by your ignorant pseudo political viewpoint.

Simply compare to the other Countries around the world. Nuf said.

 

[potato28]

Because Bill Gates said so?

 

[QED]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Amused
I see lots of accusations of gouging and monopolistic price fixing and it's all conjecture until you show me the profit margins of cable companies and how those margins compare to other private companies.

This thread is a perfect example of people believing what they want to believe.

BTW, I am against the government sanctioned monopolies of utility and communication companies. But I have a strong suspicion that cable companies do not have the huge profit margins to support the accusations of gouging in this thread.

Technology has improved making the cost of delivery of said technology cheaper to provide.

The fact that prices are rising beyond the cost of inflation clearly points to Corporate Whoring.

Nothing more nothing less.

I know you bow to the Corporate Gods but many others do not have to extra cash burning in their pockets to give to your Gods.

I know asking you for facts is like beating my head against a brick wall, but this question stands for anyone willing to answer:

What is the profit margin for cable companies? How does that margin stand up against satellite companies and other private sector companies?

You can make that brainless accusation all day long, Dave. But until you produce factual numbers showing profit margins that are wildly higher than other providers and other private sector companies, all you're doing is pulling accusations out of your ass.

BTW, why shouldn't cable companies prices be going up faster than inflation? They just had to introduce four new technologies in the past decade with billions in new infrastructure to support it.

Now, I'll tell you what: Put up or shut up. Either post profit margin comparisons from reputable sources or stop making baseless accusations biased by your ignorant pseudo political viewpoint.

Simply compare to the other Countries around the world. Nuf said.

Hmmm... but weren't you the one that also said gas companies were gouging US consumers?

How can that be if, using your simple instructions, we look to European nations and find out that they are paying much more for gas than we are.

Why is it that if something is cheaper outside of the US (even if it is absurdly inferior, like European cable TV), in your eyes its the fault of evil US corporations... yet if it is cheaper inside of the US, it again is the fault of evil US corporations?

I notice you never answered Amused question... probably because you know you've been beat.

 

[Theguynextdoor]

I pay $75 a month for Digital Cable, high-def box, on-demand, and internet.

BUT

I had to spend 30 mins on the phone talking them into that price.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Amused
I see lots of accusations of gouging and monopolistic price fixing and it's all conjecture until you show me the profit margins of cable companies and how those margins compare to other private companies.

This thread is a perfect example of people believing what they want to believe.

BTW, I am against the government sanctioned monopolies of utility and communication companies. But I have a strong suspicion that cable companies do not have the huge profit margins to support the accusations of gouging in this thread.

Technology has improved making the cost of delivery of said technology cheaper to provide.

The fact that prices are rising beyond the cost of inflation clearly points to Corporate Whoring.

Nothing more nothing less.

I know you bow to the Corporate Gods but many others do not have to extra cash burning in their pockets to give to your Gods.

I know asking you for facts is like beating my head against a brick wall, but this question stands for anyone willing to answer:

What is the profit margin for cable companies? How does that margin stand up against satellite companies and other private sector companies?

You can make that brainless accusation all day long, Dave. But until you produce factual numbers showing profit margins that are wildly higher than other providers and other private sector companies, all you're doing is pulling accusations out of your ass.

BTW, why shouldn't cable companies prices be going up faster than inflation? They just had to introduce four new technologies in the past decade with billions in new infrastructure to support it.

Now, I'll tell you what: Put up or shut up. Either post profit margin comparisons from reputable sources or stop making baseless accusations biased by your ignorant pseudo political viewpoint.

Simply compare to the other Countries around the world. Nuf said.

You don't even know what you're talking about.

I'm still waiting on those numbers, Dave.

Meanwhile, you are aware that in many other countries the population is far more condensed, meaning far less infrastructure, right? Were you also aware that in many other countries the communication companies are heavily, if not totally subsidized by tax payer dollars?

Of course not. You're too busy making baseless accusations that amount to nothing but wishful thinking because of your irrational hate of most, if not all private businesses.