Cable firms will even be able to offer telephone service because unlike narrowband, broadband technology can transmit voice and data simultaneously. Legislation pending in many states would do just that. The Clinton administration endorses forced access as well. Meanwhile, any economist worthy of the name would argue that the likely result will be higher costs for consumers and no significant increase in the number of Internet access options. This story is typical of what happens when innovation opens new vistas for free enterprise.
Some people are always in better position to take advantage of a new opportunity than others.
But that doesn't justify the government's stepping in and disrupting the process by which the market shakes out supply and demand. If that happens, it sabotages a process that most often produces the best and widest variety of services for the lowest price. The late economist Alfred E. Kahn put it well when he explained the importance of deregulating the airline industry. The superiority of the competitive market is the positive stimuli it provides for constantly improving efficiency, innovating, and offering consumers diversity of choice. The incentive for cable operators to take advantage of their head start also will diminish.