I think that one of the big advantages a lot of cable companies have is their broadband/internet offering. For many of us, that TIES us to cable, and then we get the other "luxuries". I can't get DSL, and even if I could, I'm not sure I want to add yet another vendor into my mix here.
And Charter is VERY smart about how they tie the broadband packaging to the TV packaging. "Oh...You have suchnsuch a package, so we can offer you broadband for $29.95/mo" as long as you never change anything

I went through my cable bill, which is currently $115/mo (3mbs internet/HBO/Starz/Max/DVR/HD package) to see what I could chop out now that I can get my HD coverage through VOOM. The answer was, not much. If I drop my movie packages, that saves me a wopping $15/mo...and I'd have to spend quite a bit more than that to upgrade to VaVa. And even then, I'd still be paying $100/mo for digital cable + internet.
So yeah...if they got their act together, they would make it even more difficult for sat providers to compete. The only playing field left for sat services would be niche markets.
Next 5yrs will be very interesting...imo.
Lob