[mdip]

Too true. Every time I've had a guy out to install service I've given them one laptop to get connected to the service. When they're done, I hook up my router and put the laptop back in the cupboard. I've been using the same Core Duo Acer laptop for this purpose for years.

Comcast, when I was a Cable TV subscriber offered Video On Demand. With it I could watch about 5 episodes of up to 10 different television series complete with commercials for free. Or I could elect to be able to watch a movie within 24-hours of purchasing for $4.00 or more.

They basically did half of what their internet based competition did for a higher price with more limited viewing options and a $10/mo fee for the box required to use it. So I plucked down $35 a piece for a few low-end Rokus, purchased a Netflix subscription, used my existing Amazon Prime and eliminated my cable TV service all together.

If there was competition in local broadband it makes you wonder if these companies would all go belly up when you look at how terribly their products stand up in markets where there is competition.