In the case of Time Warner Cable Inc, looking at the history chart for TWC below can help in judging whether the most recent dividend is likely to continue, and in turn whether it is a reasonable expectation to expect a 3% annual yield.

FORBES: Time Warner Cable Shares Cross 3% Yield Mark

This technology now reaches more than 70% of homes (see chart) and, unlike Verizon, the cable companies did not have to pay to replace the last mile.

ECONOMIST: Broadband in America

Moreover, in the few areas of America where one cable company has built over a rival's existing system, where a telephone company has set up an experimental system to deliver television signals, or where there is an old, municipally owned cable system as well as a private one, competition has led to lower prices (see chart).

ECONOMIST: Cable��s hold on America