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ESPN's Play To Make ISPs Pay

lochii sends us to Wired for reporting on ESPN's game plan to extract royalties from all ISPs, for a "license" for their users to view ESPN video. Currently, according to ESPN, 40% of US Internet users connect through ISPs who are paying the (undisclosed) fees; others are unable to view the content. Quoting: "This is a reversal of the model pushed by some major broadband companies that would like to charge content companies for the right to use their pipes. If other full-length video providers like Hulu and HBO get in on the act, the time could be approaching when you'll choose your Internet service based on what selection of content it offers. Eventually, popular non-video websites might follow suit. Imagine a future water cooler conversation over broadband choice: 'I went with Comcast 'cause they get Yahoo.'"

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  1. Re:I thought we already had this option... by M1rth · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    And it is quickly dying... alas, the neanderthals who watch ESPN will probably follow precisely the line of thinking that was brought up above!

    After all, they pay $$$$$$$$ through the nose to get the "weekend sports packages" to watch obsolete, corrupt, rigged games on TV.

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