FCC Chairman Michael Powell says technology and telecommunications companies are racing to develop ways to pipe television shows into consumers’ homes via the Internet.
Telephone companies, such as SBC Communications, are trying to fend off mounting competition from cable television companies that are able to offer consumers a bundled package of products, including phone and Internet service.
As an example, Powell noted that TiVo, well known for its digital television recorders, is joining up with online DVD renter Netflix, to offer movies to homes via broadband connections. He said it was unclear if public interest obligations would apply to television via the Internet.
