Today's Quote 12.18.06

Regardless of the outcome of the television wars, nearly everyone agrees that more players in both the cable television market and in the telephone business is a good thing.

But even consumer advocates, who have been tough on the cable industry in the past, are being cautious.

Jeannine Kenney, senior policy analyst with Consumers Union, says "it's clear cable would like to keep them (competitors) out of the marketplace. It's equally clear consumers want competition."

But whether the FCC is the proper authority to solve this conundrum is an open question.

"We want them (competitors) in," she said, "but not at the cost of fundamental consumer protections."