Google recently held meetings with major media companies that own television networks, signaling the race to sell services via the Internet. This move would create an alternative to the current television packages that 100 million American households buy from satellite and cable broadcasting companies.

 

The Internet giant has previously tried to venture into the television business but earlier meetings with channel owners in 2011 were unsuccessful. Additionally, an automated TV ad-buying system was shut down last year. However, broadband has become more popular and more widely available, stimulating interest in alternatives to traditional distribution.

 

Some network owners have reservations about the market for cable via the Internet. They are satisfied with the methods of distribution available today: cable, satellite and fiber optic providers. However, companies observing the television space are more popular among consumers than the traditional providers, according to customer satisfaction surveys.