The FCC requested extensive information about Comcast’s cable operations in...
The FCC requested extensive information about Comcast’s cable operations in its review of Comcast’s takeover of NBC Universal. In a 63-question information and discovery request, the commission sought details of Comcast cable and programming assets, its switched digital video deployments,…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
its online video assets, its VoD systems, descriptions of its discussion with online video distributors such as Hulu, Boxee, YouTube, Amazon and iTunes. The commission also asked Comcast to describe all its arbitration proceedings for carriage of regional sports networks, its agreements with major sports leagues, the types of set-top boxes it uses and the kinds of devices it would consider using in the future. Comcast declined to comment on the request. Media Access Project said this is exactly the kind of information it has asked the commission to collect in other large transactions. “We're delighted that the FCC is taking this transaction seriously,” said Andrew Schwartzman, MAP senior vice president and policy director. “Today’s action certainly doesn’t mean the FCC is going to disapprove the deal, but it does indicate that the commission is undertaking an in depth review.” A cable industry source said the request comes very early on in the commission’s review process, which could be a sign that it is proceeding quickly.