[rayiner]

I don't think your average customer assumes anything about what their service payment covers. I bet most think it just covers the wire into their house. Would the perceived regulatory need go away if cable companies made clear: "we reserve the right to charge the sources of data you download, not withstanding the service charges for your connection."

I mean, its like Hulu Plus. The fact they charge a fee doesn't preclude them from charging advertisers to market to you.