Industries typically consist of a group of companies or businesses — a number of key providers that compete across all levels of the enterprise (from customers to technology and employees). These providers often drive a collection of suppliers, manufacturers, service organizations and industry support groups.

With the proposed purchase of Time Warner Cable by Comcast, we need to ask: Will there still be a cable TV industry after the merger?

Much of the discussion over the next few weeks or months will focus on the effect on the consumer and society if there is a single dominant cable provider. However, within the cable space, the most important look may be on the future of the industry.

Since cable was invented, there has been a diversity of cable companies both large and small. Consolidation has been going on for quite a while, but with the latest proposed move (and depending on how you count it), one company may control over half of the cable video subscribers and cable modem subscriptions.

When an industry is no longer a group of businesses but a single dominant player, the industry around it is bound to change.

We've already heard and read discussions about how the relationships with content providers may change if a single distributor can drive the market or make it extremely difficult for a programmer to survive. We also need to look at the hardware and software providers.

If there is only a single volume buyer and single way of doing everything (from conditional access to head-end design to VOD servers etc), will there only be a single provider of each element of the service? How many companies will build hardware or software if a single decision can cut the market in half? Back in the day, TCI could single-handedly make a manufacturer a major player, but they couldn't really single-handedly take someone out of the business.

What about all of the organizations that have formed around the cable industry?

Will we still a need CableLabs? CableLabs has helped unify the industry providing the driving force behind technology such as VOD meta-data, cable modems and dynamic ad insertion. In the future, if there is really only a single volume purchaser who defines a single specification, there may not be a need for an organization that tries to unite the industry and create common platforms.

What about the NCTA and the National Cable Show? There once were strong regional shows, due mostly to the large number and small size of systems. With previous rounds of consolidation, the National Cable Show has become a central meeting place. However, it may no longer be necessary. Trade shows usually bring together large numbers of sellers and large numbers of buyers. If there are fewer of each, the value might be decreased.

Of course if there is only one employer, what happens to the labor market? Installers and customer service representatives will always be needed in similar numbers, but there are bound to be fewer managers and leaders.

There will likely still be a need for employee groups (like SCTE) and organizations aimed at the remaining other players like ACA and NCTC. However, most other groups and organizations may need to re-evaluate their mission in light of a shrinking number of client organizations.

Nobody knows what the outcome will be and if the industry will be stronger or weaker if this deal closes. But we can be sure it will change.