But experts say the computers generally do not replace humans - they represent more of an add-on service.
If cable companies can sell phones with unique add-on services at reasonable discounts, they may be able to extend their lead.
The rules do not cover add-on services like Star38 provided by nontelephone companies.
The company hopes that it can profit by creating add-on services for which consumers will pay.
However, most of these companies also offer add-on services such as editing, marketing and cover design.
Server administration can usually be provided by the hosting company as an add-on service.
One notable feature was that Yahoo would seek to introduce dozens of add-on services.
The devastating impact of a crucial supplier failure has moved risk management from add-on service to mission-critical.
They both have digital as an add-on service.
The product was an "add-on" service, available only to customers that also use their iiPhone service.
