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Except they're not. The default search engine for Firefox is Yahoo, for IE it's Bing. It's just for Chrome and maybe Safari. They are in no way stopping or even

Except they're not. The default search engine for Firefox is Yahoo, for IE it's Bing. It's just for Chrome and maybe Safari. They are in no way stopping or even hindering you from using other search engines. Your example of Comcast, however? They actually got several local governments to sign contracts saying no one else could run copper to your home. HUGE difference.

rhino369 12y ago
It's been illegal to get an exclusive cable franchise since the early 1990s. Google probably has more marketshare than Comcast does (even if you only include areas where Comcast operates).
- BinaryIdiot 12y ago
  > It's been illegal to get an exclusive cable franchise since the early 1990s. You're conflating issues here. A cable franchise is using the cable in the ground to deliver television and the fees are paid to the local government yearly. These are regulated differently than internet access AND installing new utilities into communities. > Google probably has more marketshare than Comcast does (even if you only include areas where Comcast operates). Marketshare isn't comparable here. You're trying to compare an (arguable) utility versus an online service. The entire analogy if flawed; stop trying to force it.
  - rhino369 12y ago
    The initial franchise agreement will cover the costs and fees associated with the initial installation of getting the wires in the ground. It's illegal for municipalities to grant any sort of exclusive telecommunication franchise. I'm not sure what your point is, but nowhere[1] in America is Comcast legally protected from competition. You can build a new cable network, a new fiber network, or even wireless. [1]maybe some super old franchise agreement that has been in tact since 1992 still exists but I doubt it. They are usually about 10 years. >Marketshare isn't comparable here. You're trying to compare an (arguable) utility versus an online service. The entire analogy if flawed; stop trying to force it. I don't see why categorizing the company as a utility really has anything to do with it. If you want to get technical, ISPs haven't been treated as utilities (and despite what journalists say that really isn't what Title II is about). I don't see why providing internet access and internet search results are so wildly different that a comparison can't be made.
dblohm7 12y ago
Firefox's default of Yahoo is for the US.
maged 12y ago
Its not about the default search engine on top of a browser, but the internet services on top of a search engine.

rhino369 12y ago

It's been illegal to get an exclusive cable franchise since the early 1990s. Google probably has more marketshare than Comcast does (even if you only include areas where Comcast operates).

BinaryIdiot 12y ago
> It's been illegal to get an exclusive cable franchise since the early 1990s. You're conflating issues here. A cable franchise is using the cable in the ground to deliver television and the fees are paid to the local government yearly. These are regulated differently than internet access AND installing new utilities into communities. > Google probably has more marketshare than Comcast does (even if you only include areas where Comcast operates). Marketshare isn't comparable here. You're trying to compare an (arguable) utility versus an online service. The entire analogy if flawed; stop trying to force it.
- rhino369 12y ago
  The initial franchise agreement will cover the costs and fees associated with the initial installation of getting the wires in the ground. It's illegal for municipalities to grant any sort of exclusive telecommunication franchise. I'm not sure what your point is, but nowhere[1] in America is Comcast legally protected from competition. You can build a new cable network, a new fiber network, or even wireless. [1]maybe some super old franchise agreement that has been in tact since 1992 still exists but I doubt it. They are usually about 10 years. >Marketshare isn't comparable here. You're trying to compare an (arguable) utility versus an online service. The entire analogy if flawed; stop trying to force it. I don't see why categorizing the company as a utility really has anything to do with it. If you want to get technical, ISPs haven't been treated as utilities (and despite what journalists say that really isn't what Title II is about). I don't see why providing internet access and internet search results are so wildly different that a comparison can't be made.

dblohm7 12y ago

Firefox's default of Yahoo is for the US.

maged 12y ago

Its not about the default search engine on top of a browser, but the internet services on top of a search engine.