Al Franken Points Out Comcast's History Of Breaking Merger Promises

[onehandle]

Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) told regulators this week that Comcast’s history of violating merger commitments “raises serious questions” about whether the company’s proposed acquisition of Time Warner Cable will benefit consumers.

The Federal Communications Commission is considering whether to approve Comcast's $45 billion purchase of its smaller rival. The deal would unite the two biggest cable operators in the country and give Comcast greater control over broadcast, cable television and high-speed Internet networks.

Comcast says the deal would not hurt consumers because the two companies do not compete in the same markets. But consumer groups say the merger would give Comcast too much power, stifling potential competition and eventually leading to higher prices.

Before approving mergers, regulators must decide whether the deals are in the public's benefit, and often extract promises from companies that they'll take steps to benefit consumers, like extending high-speed Internet service to underserved communities or promising not to favor their services over those of competitors.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/28/al-franken-comcast_n_4874190.html

[Loudly]

1. Thank goodness for Al Franken on this issue.

He's had it on his radar screen since before he was Senator.

Comcast gouges its customers and uses the cash for these acquisitions, which have no purpose other than to monopolize and further gouge the public.

Stop this madness now by rate regulation!

(I'm a Comcast customer. I hope they don't read this, otherwise I'm sayonara.)

[global1]

2. Does Anyone Really Think That Al Can Stop This Merger?.....nt

[onehandle]

3. Comcast spent $18.8M lobbying the federal government in 2013

So, no.

[Historic NY]

4. At one time we broke up monopolies in this country...

now we create them and call it free market.

[Swede Atlanta]

6. Yes and one of the fiercest proponents and activists

was a Republican, Teddy Roosevelt!

[SnowCritter]

8. Back then, Republicans were the liberals

and the Democrats were the conservatives.

My, how things have changed.

[myrna minx]

5. K&R n/t

[jsr]

7. Recommend