[joelhaus]

Agreed. Keep thinking that the concessions should include:

  1. Disposition of all content assets (e.g. NBCU).
  2. Permanent net neutrality with verification + penalty mechanisms.

While the merger as proposed wouldn't reduce competition for end users, it does give them more leverage in negotiations with content companies (e.g. cable broadcasters). That said, we need a much better regulatory regime for the ISP industry. A regime based on sound economic analysis that takes into consideration the utility nature of the business and the national reliance on broadband for the economic well-being of citizens, small businesses and startups... particularly those that are economically disadvantaged.