June 22, 2010
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.
