With U.S. telcos and cable TV companies competing in the same lines of business, our traditional nomenclature long ago ceased to reflect reality. “Telcos” are not in the “voice services” business and “cable TV” companies are not in the “video” business.
The anchor service now is internet or mobile access, no matter which type of provider supplies the feature.
But the two industry segments remain largely distinct in terms of supply chain, network platform and culture, and we still have no elegant and clear way of describing both types of firms, much less the way to characterize business-focused or specialty providers of connectivity and infrastructure services such as metro fiber providers.
It still is meaningful to speak of the different business dynamics in different key segments. By and large, “cable TV” contestants are moving into lines of business long dominated by “telcos,” while the reverse process applies to traditional communications suppliers. But even some former cable TV firms are moving towards a largely post-video future based on becoming largely providers of communications services.
But it remains a clumsy matter. “Tier one” also remains a relevant way of categorizing firms in the business. And at least for a while, it appears the distinction between mobile-only, fixed line and firms with both kinds of assets will remain relevant. But even those categories are in motion.
Nor can we yet determine how to fit new access platforms into the framework. Low earth orbit satellite constellations, TV white spaces or other more-novel platforms will get some market share. And fixed wireless providers might become more important, though perhaps moving market share statistics mostly in rural areas.
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