FCC May OK AT&T Broadband/Comcast Deal

[Steve Mehs]

According to reports, staff members at the Federal Communications Commission are recommending that the agency approve the pending merger between AT&T Broadband and Comcast.

AT&T Broadband, the No. 1 cable operator, and Comcast, the No. 3 MSO, would have a combined 22 million subscribers if the $30.4 billion deal wins regulatory approval, Reuters reported late Tuesday night. The wire service added that the Justice Department also is nearing the end of its review of the proposed combination.

It's rare for commissioners to challenge a staff determination, and analysts have said for some time that the FCC would clear the blockbuster cable TV deal.

FCC Chairman Michael Powell said Tuesday the agency is close to releasing its order on the deal. But as of late Tuesday night, there was no official word from the FCC concerning a decision on the cable TV merger.

From SkyRetailer (http://www.skyreport.com/skyreport/oct2002/102302.shtm#one) (Used with Permission)

[SParker]

No big shock here. I knew they would.

[catman]

Now you why I am so against the FCC . AT&T is American Thugs and Thieves. AT&T called me on sunday at 7am . Day and time which is a vilation . No telemarker can call on a sunday .

[kornkid81]

Hmmmm...funny if thats not a monopoly, i don't know what is then. And how funny that the FCC go's against E*/D*, on there merger on the mere grounds of that being anti-competitive.

I wonder what will happen when there is only one cable company and one satellite company. Here in the Los Angeles area, its all AT&T, you have to go out to the the desert just to get a different cable company...oh but wait that area is controlled by Comcast. But thats not Anti-competitive now, thats just Business. ;-) you got to love the goverment

PS I totally agree with you SParker no big shock here either