Cable operators, networks brace for an online world

When U.S. cable operators and networks gather at their biggest annual industry event this week, both sides will seek to preserve and enhance a long-term partnership now under threat as more and more consumers choose to watch their favorite shows online. In past years, cable companies employed the National Cable Telecommunications Association Show to showcase technologies and tout the diversification of their business, showing off faster broadband speeds, advanced digital phone services and new wireless services. But this year will mark a return to basics in Washington (DC), for the operators who own the distribution pipes and the networks whose video content brings those pipes alive. Both sets of companies will be brainstorming on how to cope with or benefit from disintermediation: consumers can now watch decent-quality video online whenever they want, and often for free.