Google has been working on building a high-speed Internet service in Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kan., and it’s looking like they might use those tubes to try an experiment with subscription-based TV. I suppose the move is inevitable, what with (insert Bill Cosby voice) the streaming who’s-its and the YouTubes and the television Internets and the Jell-O Pudding Pops. Oh, and hello to my beautiful wife Camille.
There are no concrete details, including which networks might go along with the deal.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the plan is well underway and could be unveiled in early 2012.
Much is at stake. Television reaps more than $150 billion per year in the U.S. from advertisers and consumers paying monthly fees. Google, the biggest seller of ads on the Web, wants to snare a share of the TV ad dollars. And with its latest plan, Google threatens to undercut cable and satellite companies in subscription fees it may charge consumers.
It seems like every day, a la carte TV gets a little bit closer. Just get her already. I mean I have some seasons of the Cosby show to watch. And some really attractive sweaters.
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