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Warner, is extremely unlikely because it is cost prohibitive and assets would be better spent to upgrade existing networks and enhance services. The Open Access Alliance of the Bay (San Francisco) Area conducted a study5 and subsequently reported that a cable broadband monopoly would result in higher Internet access prices, $5 to $15 monthly, absent competition. The merger validates Open Access as a solid business model for delivery of Internet and telephony via cable. With AT&T as a major player, there can be no doubt that Open Access is compatible with their core business. This means that the intellectual property and technology issues related to Open Access have become firmly established6. 19 Closed Access, the absence of Open Access, constitutes a power vested in cable - telecommunication companies. This power, if not mitigated by government, can result in a regime that determines how broadband gateway telecommunications should develop. Closed Access grants the cable-telecommunication companies, like AOL-Time Warner, a monopoly on the high-speed broadband platform. As such, they have the ability to protect themselves from competitors by not allowing unaffiliated ISPs access to the broadband platform or by restricting or limiting Internet traffic to unaffiliated competitive ISPs. Common wisdom offers that the competitive mazketplace, but not government regulation, is the best means to assure widespread availability of high-speed Internet service. To make certain that a competitive marketplace evolves, the government should implement minimalist measures to assure Open Access to the broadband platform so that consumers can benefit from i) choice between content providers, ii) lower prices and iii) improved service. On Apri125`h, consumer groups voiced their concern regazding the acquisition of MediaOne's 25.51% interest in Time Warner Cable by AT&T. This business deal would establish AT&T as the lazgest and most dominant cable television company in the United States. The acquisition locks the number 1 and 2 lazgest cable operator's together in a gigantic conglomerate with significant mazket power and vast telecommunication resources. SThe Business journal of San Jose, March 13, 2000. 6Broadband in the Public Interest, February 10, 2000 -Volume I, No. 7 Franchise Fee U-Tax Auditing & Cable Television Administration 101 Pocono Lane, Cary, North Carolina 27513-5316 Voice # 919.467.5392 Fax # 919.460.6868