Under a lot of data plans, it'd still be cheaper for a moderate to heavy streaming video user to pay Comcast the vig it wants, than to pay wireless data rates for the same bandwidth.
I guarantee you Comcast has made the same calculation, too, down to the fractional cent. Whatever vig they charge, if they do, will be scaled accordingly.
The customer isn't paying the "vig" it's the distributor, If Netflix isn't profitable on Comcast's network Netflix will simply stop offering service to Comcast customers. They will have no other option, thus might opt out entirely as they go from moderate or heavy streaming users to not streaming at all.
Also keep in mind they would still be subject to anti-trust regulation, they really can only take it so far before getting broken up again.
Subject: Comcast is increasing the monthly cost of Nextflix
"Dear Valued Customer,
Here at Netflix we endeavor to offer the highest value for your entertainment dollar, it is with that in mind we regret to inform you that due to sweeping and punitive fee increases brought on at the sole discretion of Comcast we will be forced to raise our prices 425% next billing cycle. Customers of other ISP's will enjoy the same low price that we have always offered, in fact we are offering our service at our cost to Comcast customers at this new rate. Please contact Comcast customer service at 1-800-Comcast if you would like this issue resolved as it is out of our hands.
"It was the shortest civil defence in the history of law. No experts. No witnesses. He simply stood up and proclaimed 'Pot, kettle, black, the defense rests.' ""
I'm arguing against the "sky is falling" hysteria that many seem to have about this. If you'll review the rest of the context of that quote you'll see why it's in Comcast's best interest to allow Netflix to do business with it's customers.
I don't believe I am expressing any kind of "sky is falling" hysteria. It's not as though the concept of monopoly, or the reasons why it's something to discourage, should be tremendously controversial in this day and age.
I guarantee you Comcast has made the same calculation, too, down to the fractional cent. Whatever vig they charge, if they do, will be scaled accordingly.