Comcast-TW Cable Merger Changes the Dynamic for FCC’s Net Neutrality Wrangle

February 16, 2014 

Article: http://variety.com/2014/biz/news/comcast-tw-cable-merger-changes-the-dynamic-for-fccs-net-neutrality-wrangle-1201102818/

Summary: This article from Variety was written by Ted Johnson on February 14, 2014. U.S largest broadband provider, Comcast, will become even bigger, commanding about one-third of the marketplace for high-speed Internet service. Comcast and Time Warner Cable, announced a merger to create a world-class technology and media company. However, when it comes to the rules of the road for the Internet ( the net Neutrality guidelines that prohibit providers from blocking or favoring certain types of traffic) the proposal has changed the dynamics of the debate raging in Washington. After the U.S recent court ruling on Net Neutrality, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has been weighting his options on how to proceed on Net Neutrality. He's promised a proposal, but the Comcast-TW Cable transaction may give him new options, even as debate is likely to center on whether Comcast will command too great a share of the broadband market. Now Wheeler and the FCC have leverage to demand further conditions like extending the length of time that Comcast will abide by Net Neutrality. Just the sheer size of Comcast could have an impact on the rest of the industry. Last Thursday, Comcast executive VP David L. Cohen has asked whether the company would agree to extend Net Neutrality beyond 2018. He said that he would rather not negotiate with the press, however, he had no doubt that the FCC would have a new plan in place to protect an open Internet.


Opinion: What does this match between Comcast and Time Warner Cable mean for content creators, Net Neutrality, apple tv and those of you waiting for the internet repairman to show up at your house?

 Now that they merged, it could lead the way to better business practices or maybe not. Seems like not everyone is convinced the merger will lead to good things. There is a concern about the fact that Comcast will now control one-third of high-speed internet. For those who were recently disappointed when the FCC's net neutrality rules were dismissed by the U.S recent court ruling, this could be a chance to make another push to get them back. There is a lot of theory on the internet that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, who might have a good case for blocking the legality of the merger, might instead bargain for rules on Net Neutrality to be accepted by Comcast-TW Cable.

I think this merger may mean that there would be practically a monopoly on television and internet and this will stifle growth in their respective industries. Besides, I just don't think the FCC is up to the task of enacting rules to ensure Net Neutrality is protected. 


Reference: Johnson, T ( February 14, 2014) Comcast-TW Cable Merger Changes the Dynamic for FCC’s Net Neutrality Wrangle Retrieved from http://variety.com/2014/biz/news/comcast-tw-cable-merger-changes-the-dynamic-for-fccs-net-neutrality-wrangle-1201102818/


Discussion: 1- Do you think Comcast would agree to extend Net Neutrality beyond 2018?

2- What are your thoughts about the Comcast-TW Cable merger?

3- What do you think could be the FCC's new plan to protect an open internet?