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ESPN's Play To Make ISPs Pay

Posted by kdawson on from the other-side-of-anti-net-neutrality dept.

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.'"

3 of 355 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I thought we already had this option... by FredFredrickson · · Score: 4, Informative
    I just tested to see if my internet provider gives me access. This is the message I got:

    How To Get ESPN360.com Close ESPN360.com is available at no charge to fans who receive their high-speed internet connection from an ESPN360.com affiliated internet service provider. ESPN360.com is also available to fans that access the internet from U.S. college campuses and U.S. military bases. Congratulations! Your internet service provider carries ESPN360.com. Just click on the WATCH NOW link or any event to start watching ESPN360.com.

    (Emphasis: Mine)
    This is one of the most chilling messages I've ever gotten on the internet. I hope never to read a message like that again. Your provider carries "google"??

    Obivously ,it's leading to this: The real money maker:

    We're sorry, your provider does not carry the XXX porn package, you cannot access any of these sites.

    --
    Belief? Hope? Preference?The Existential Vortex
  2. This is just for ESPN 360 by MojoRilla · · Score: 4, Informative

    Big deal. This isn't for video clips available from ESPN.com, it is for their former premium product ESPN 360, which doesn't even show ESPN TV (due, I'm sure, to cable contracts), but various minor live sporting events (minor college football and basketball, MLS, NASCAR Nationwide series). The only difference between this and other products that have been selling versions to ISPs for years is that there is no pay version, you must get this through your ISP.

  3. Re:I thought we already had this option... by beckerist · · Score: 4, Informative

    The banner is bright red:

    ESPN360.com is available at no charge to fans who receive their high-speed internet connection from an ESPN360.com affiliated internet service provider. ESPN360.com is also available to fans that access the internet from U.S. college campuses and U.S. military bases.

    Your current computer network falls outside of these categories. Here's how you can get access to ESPN360.com.

    1. Switch to an ESPN360.com affiliated internet service provider or to contact your internet service provider and request ESPN360.com. Click here to enter your ZIP code and find out which providers in your area carry offer ESPN360.com

    2. For Verizon Customers Only: Sign-in using remote access if you already get ESPN360.com