Meanwhile in civilized world (Europe): Poland/Warsaw, Regulatory body prevented UPC Cablecom, European cable giant, from completely taking over local competitor. UPC was forced to sell hardware infrastructure gained in the merge, and obligated to lease it for at least 12 months after the sale.
"In May 2013 Netia acquired from UPC Polska a part of former Aster cable operator’s network, which was classified
for resale according to the decision of the President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection
(UOKiK) as of September 5, 2011 approving the acquisition of Aster cable operator by UPC Polska.
Netia purchased from UPC Polska and UPC Poland Holding BV 100% of shares in Centrina Sp. z o.o. and
Dianthus Sp. z o.o., which own cable networks in Warsaw and Krakow reaching a total of 446,000 homes passed.
The transaction has been treated as a purchase of network assets and related liabilities with a net valuation of
PLN 5.8m. Simultaneously, UPC Polska concluded with Centrina and Dianthus a 12-month network rental
agreement in order to ensure service continuity to its customers during a transition period. Total consideration
payable to Netia Group for this network rental amounts to PLN 4.5m. Moreover, Netia will receive discounts on
certain ongoing commercial agreements between the Netia Group and UPC Polska. These discounts are
estimated to amount to PLN 16.4m and will be recognized as they are received."
Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) - sounds pretty alien to all USians, doesnt it? :)
Result: 300Mbit/s internet is $17/month. 300Mbit internet + A la carte TV (YES, about $1.5 per 1-17 channel bundles you can freely pick from, 170 channels in total) starts at $20/month.
http://giga-kablowka.pl/