[ Wednesday ]
Echostar - Viacom Battle Just the Tip of the Iceberg
The plug was pulled on Viacom programming by Echostar Tuesday morning, but don't expect the screen to be black for long. There is too much money on the table.
Viacom insists that it is only charging a reasonable amount per subscriber, but Echostar contends that the upward spiral will never end. Well, to be honest, neither of the statements is exactly true.
From an economic sense, a free market will eventually take care of itself. When the consuming public decides that the price point being asked is not worth the product or service being received, the consumer will look for an alternative. Cable and satellite providers long ago decided that one dollar per day was an amount that all households would be willing to pay for their services. Obviously, some consumers pay more than that when adding premium services and pay-per-view.
But, the consumer also must justify that expenditure at the expense (perhaps) of something else. For example, when a household subscribes to cable or satellite, basic telephone service, cell phones, Internet access, et cetera, it all adds up. Where to cut back, when necessary, becomes an issue.
Households spend more today on these luxuries than ever before. And while some may disagree that telephone service is a luxury, keep in mind that most subscribers get more than basic service. Tell your phone company that you want the least expensive service available in your area, and compare that with what you are now paying...no 3-way calling, caller ID, call waiting, unpublished number, etc. And don't forget to review your cellular phone bill.
So, how much are you willing to pay for all of these services? And will a price increase from your satellite provider make a difference? Let the companies know of your discontent, and if necessary, turn the switch to 'Off".
MM [06:00]
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