Introduction
Introduction
The dream of a “wired nation” linked by cable television is edging ever closer to reality. In the past decade alone, the number of cable TV systems more than doubled, and the number of cable subscribers nearly tripled. Industry analysts say prospects are bright for significant additional growth. Nonetheless, cable operators are in no mood for celebrating. For the second consecutive year, they are preparing to fight efforts in Congress to bring cable systems under more stringent regulation. And all the while, rival technologies that could impede cable TV expansion loom larger on the horizon.