In most places, the only high-speed internet ISPs are cable companies. So, ultimately the cable companies are in control over distribution of video--including i

In most places, the only high-speed internet ISPs are cable companies. So, ultimately the cable companies are in control over distribution of video--including internet video from Hulu and similar sites. Right now I can get all the TV content I want OTA (yes, using an antenna) or over the internet except for HBO. Accordingly, I don't subscribe to cable. But, that will change as soon as my ISP (a cable company) starts capping my internet access. Then I will have to start paying a cable company to get my favorite shows. For example, Time Warner is taking the lead with internet-video-killing caps of 40GB/month. That's less than 15 minutes of HD video a day. So, regarldess of what you think of the cable technology, the cable companies seem to be firmly in control of residential video distribution. Whenever they want, they will crank up the price until cable looks cheap. That is exactly what the wireless phone companies did with text messaging; the price of a text message used to be borderline bearable; now, they are so expensive that $5+ messaging bundles are relatively affordable.