AEREO: TIME FOR NETWORK EXECS TO START WORRYING?

Until now, top executives of the broadcast networks have maintained that Aereo, which delivers their programs to subscribers over the Internet, is, as CBS chief Les Moonves put it last year, “more wind than reality.” Speaking during a conference call with analysts and reporters last April, Moonves went on to say, “We don’t think it’s catching on at all.” (CBS and other broadcasters have sued Aereo alleging copyright infringement.) However, since January 31, anyone attempting to sign up for the service in the New York City area has been receiving a message stating, “Thanks for your interest in Aereo! We are currently sold out in New York.” The problem appears to be Aereo’s inability to obtain enough of the tiny antennas that are required for its service. (Each subscriber is assigned to an individual antenna.) In response to an emailed inquiry from the website DSLReports.com, an Aereo spokesperson said, “We’re fortunate that Aereo continues to experience strong growth across all our markets. … Our team has been working overtime to add more capacity in our existing markets. As soon as additional capacity is added, new consumers will be notified that they can sign up and create an Aereo account.”