US: Netflix asks US FCC to reject AT&T-DirecTV merger

Netflix wants the Federal Communications Commission to reject AT&T’s proposed acquisition of DirecTV, or at least impose conditions that would prevent AT&T from abusing market power to harm online video services.

“Netflix urges the Commission to reject the merger as currently proposed,” the streaming video provider said in a filing yesterday.

Netflix released a statement today pointing out that it would not oppose the merger if it is approved with certain conditions. “While we are participating in the government’s review, we are not opposing the merger,” Netflix said. “We’ve been highlighting concerns about AT&T’s broadband practices and the need for appropriate remedies since last September.”

AT&T isn’t likely to agree to all of Netflix’s proposed conditions. The company has argued that large online content providers like Netflix should have to pay if they seek direct connections to AT&T’s network. AT&T is also suing the FCC over its latest net neutrality rules.

Full content: The Wall Street Journal

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