Independent cable companies, having paid through the nose for the privilege of using Deutsche Telekom AG lines are thrilled at the idea of connecting instead to the network of one of Telekom’s emerging rivals. Independent operators control two thirds of the 16 million subscribers that receive programming over Telekom’s cable network, making a ready-made market for the likes of Vebacom GmbH and Viag AG – and giving them direct access to potential telephone subscribers. Should the independent c able operators seek an alternative carrier, Deutsche Telekom would not be able to re-finance investments in its own cable network, said Bruno Baumann, president of the Federation of Independent Cable Network Operators. Telekom wants to upgrade its cables to a broadband interactive network.