The Federal Communications Commission public comment period on the proposed merger of Comcast and NBC ended Monday, with a flurry of filings by the two companies` competitors.
EarthLink, Inc., an Internet Service Provider, opposed Comcast acquiring a controlling stake in the television network because it said it thinks Comcast would engage in a range of anti-competitive actions that would reduce consumer choice, restrict content diversity, and interfere with Internet competition.
To remedy these harms, EarthLink proposed the FCC adopt a condition requiring Comcast to offer wholesale standalone broadband access to independent Internet service providers.
"The access condition that EarthLink proposes today for the Comcast-NBCU merger will be a win for consumers and a win for online competition," said EarthLink Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rolla Huff. "The condition essentially enables Comcast customers to `break the bundle` and purchase only the services they need or want."
Opponents line up
DirecTV also filed its formal opposition to the merger saying, "the integration of Comcast`s and NBCU`s assets will materially change the bargaining dynamic for programming controlled by the new conglomerate."
Other opponents of the deal warned it would lead to higher cable prices and allow Comcast to expand its influence across the Internet.
The Communications Workers of America also went on record in opposition, saying the merger could lead to widespread job losses within the industry.
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22.06.2010
NBC-Comcast Merger Comment Period Ends
The Federal Communications Commission public comment period on the proposed merger of Comcast and NBC ended Monday, with a flurry of filings by the two companies` competitors. EarthLink, Inc., an Internet Service Provider, opposed Comcast acquiring a controlling... |
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14.01.2003
Cingular, AT&T Wireless In Merger Talks
If you were thinking of switching from Cingular to AT&T Wireless, or vice versa, you might want to wait a week or two. The companies are holding merger talks, The Wall Street Journal reported. Cingular/AT&T• Deal Approved• Consumers Will Pay Big,... |
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26.10.2004
Cingular-AT&T Wireless Merger Approved
With the blessing of the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission, Cingular today completed its acquisition of AT&T Wireless, creating the nation`s largest cellular telephone company. Cingular/AT&T• Deal Approved•... |
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10.12.2004
Sprint, Nextel Merger May Be Next
Consolidation appears to be the buzzword in the mobile telephone industry. On the heels of Cingular`s acquisition of AT&T Wireless comes word that Sprint and Nextel may be about to join forces. Sprint-Nextel• Sprint, Nextel Complete Merger• FCC Clears... |
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07.02.2005
Consumers Union Blasts SBC-AT&T Merger
The proposed acquisition of AT&T by SBC isn`t sitting well with consumer organizations. Consumers Union called it "a symbolic reminder that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has failed to produce the vigorous competition that was promised." "For most consumers,... |
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