ACA: Charging Sub Fees For Internet Content Could 'Cripple' Broadband Rollout

The American Cable Association is taking aim at Internet content suppliers, saying charging sub fees for Internet content could "cripple" the nation's plan to deliver broadband to every household. ACA, which represents smaller and mid-sized cable operators, says that companies like Disney are charging for Web-based content and "requiring" broadcasters to include those fees as part of basic Internet access for all subscribers. That, suggested ACA, is a recipe for depressing broadband adoption. "The FCC and parties involved in the network neutrality debate "should be concerned that Web-based content and service providers...will drive up the retail cost of broadband access and drive down new adoption rates," ACA president Matt Polka said.