I found the following press release interesting. It’s a sign of the post-Net Neutrality times and a sort of mashup between what Internet and cable marketing has always been. It’s about programming and speed.

Paul Bunyan Communications Optimized For Netflix Streaming Through a direct connection to Netflix, Paul Bunyan Communications Broadband High Speed Internet Customers Get Best Possible Netflix Experience
(Bemidji, MN) (March 5, 2014) – Paul Bunyan Communication Broadband High Speed Internet is now optimized for Netflix, delivering customers the best possible streaming video experience.

Paul Bunyan Communications has directly connected its network to the Netflix Open Connect content delivery network (CDN), optimizing the Netflix experience for Paul Bunyan Communication Broadband High Speed Internet customers. This means that customers can expect a better picture quality and faster startup times, including many titles in 1080p full high definition and, coming soon, titles in Ultra HD 4k.

“Rather than have the Netflix experience go through regional or national networks, Paul Bunyan Communications Broadband High Speed Internet customers now have a direct connection to Netflix content that ensures superior viewing and more extensive content,” said Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor. “Additionally, the combination of Netflix Open Connect with Paul Bunyan Communication’s fiber-to-the-home advanced Broadband Internet services provides an optimum viewing experience for our cooperative members.”

Paul Bunyan Communications has the region’s largest and fastest all fiber optic network which provides Broadband High Speed Internet Services, digital and high definition television services, and digital voice services. Paul Bunyan Communications is a cooperative owned by the members it serves.

I also think NetFlix’s spin on the Open Connect relationship is interesting…

Netflix Open Connect Content Delivery Network

ISPs can directly connect their networks to Open Connect free. ISPs can do this either by free peering with us at common internet exchanges, or can save even more transit costs by putting our free storage appliances in or near their network.

Major ISPs around the world have already connected to Open Connect, including Frontier, British Telecom, TDC, Clearwire, GVT, Telus, Bell Canada, Virgin, Cablevision, Google Fiber, Telmex and more.

As part of Open Connect, we are also sharing our hardware design and the open source software components of the server. These designs are suitable for any other provider of large media files, and are very cost efficient. We welcome commentary and improvements, which will be shared with the community with the goal of a faster, less expensive internet for all.

Open Connect is a single-purpose Content Distribution Network, and by shifting to Open Connect, from using third-party commercial CDNs, we are able to save money and keep consumer prices low.