Home networks a good biz for ISPs?

According to research firm Parks Associates, ISPs have helped install more than 1 million home networks for their customers, and are on track to reach 2 million by the end of this year.

That's a drop in the bucket, I'd say. There are now 29 million households with broadband in the U.S. Google is temporarily failing to find me what proportion of those have a little Wi-Fi hub going, but I'd bet it's far higher than 2 million. Wi-Fi is simple plug and play these days, and there's not much role for ISPs to play.

That said, Yankee Group notes that there's still huge growth to come in networking home stereos and TVs with computers. That's still tougher, although Apple's Airport Express has made it easier. I have my stereo plugged into my computer at home, but I use an old fashioned cord. Wire. Whatever, it's so retro.