Now lets allow all municipalities if the choose, to offer broadband services, maybe even cable tv of some sorts. Many states (republican run), are banning such services. Time for the Feds to step in and say ,"You have to allow it". Those who are saying most cable companies services are terrible, and i agree wholeheartedly, forget that it's the customers who are allowing this to happen, along with bought out, paid for politicians on the Federal level. Legislation over the years has been pushed through Congress that favors cable companies , done with hundreds of lobbyists paid by the Cable industry.. Our reps know better, but not enough of an outcry is coming from the public.. Money from the lobbyists are outweighing any complaints from consumers. We still don't get it- yell , scream, threaten not to vote for any congressperson who gives these hoodlums what they want. They will listen if it's done loud enough.. i guess why its not being done is because everyone is sitting in front of their TV watching ESPN or some lame brain "Reality "soap or dance contest.. They gotcha right where they want you.
1
Won't shed any tears for Rob Marcus or the others missing out on collecting millions on this now non-deal. No wonder cable fees keep going up and up, with no appreciable bettering of service!
1
"Brian L. Roberts, Comcast’s chief executive, said in a statement. “Of course, we would have liked to bring our great products to new cities, but we structured this deal so that if the government didn’t agree, we could walk away.”"
In other words, "we at Comcast and our cronies at Time Warner have come to an agreement that we will now redouble our joint efforts to soak our customers who can expect big rate hikes across the board very soon".
In other words, "we at Comcast and our cronies at Time Warner have come to an agreement that we will now redouble our joint efforts to soak our customers who can expect big rate hikes across the board very soon".
or in addition- "we'll just wait for a more cooperative administration and we'll try it again".
What a relief! I would not be able to stand that merger. COMCAST is a devil to do business with, and with any more power they would have gained would make me give up cable. You would have found me climbing onto my 3-story roof and setting up many clothes hangers for any signal. Actually, as I see it, that's not a bad idea. Putting up an antenna would be a good thing. Renting DVD's and VCR's is a good thing, too. Ah!... better get to work.
Copy that! I was lamenting the closing of Radio Shack, where I had planned to buy my TV antenna should this merger have been realized. Might still look around for one, since I think my lowest possible Comcast package is still too much.
Some people have love-hate relationships. But ever since Comcast was successful in buying Time Warner's Cable business in the Minneapolis Suburbs some years ago, its been a hate-hate relationship no doubt fostered by their monopoly status. I find that I must express some regret that the merger has been scuttled. As part of the merger agreement, Comcast was going to spin off their Minneapolis cable business to a different entity. We were truly looking forward to this. What a disappointment!
This is what good government looks like
Thank You Senator Frankin
Thank You Senator Frankin
2
Many of us consumers in the lower classes are particularly concerned that Rob Marcus will miss out on his extraordinary $80 million exit package; how possibly can he pay his rent next month? Perhaps extraordinary is an euphemism for greedy overpaid underachiever?
4
David Cohen is a well regarded politico considering the overall reputation of the folks that participate in this nefarious arena. However, his advocacy for Comcast in this matter is a stain on his career that will not soon be forgotten.
1
Abandon...or postpone until more favorable regulatory times?
It is not only right that Comcast should not be allowed to take over Time-Warner Cable, Comcast as it now exists should be broken up.
The NBC/Universal Merger should have never been allowed and the corrupt actions that were involved in gaining approval of that deal (a Republican FCC Commissioner approved the deal and then went to work for Comcast) were so blatantly over the top. Not since the captive non-regulation of Republican Commissioner Michael Powell was the public so poorly served by a supposed regulator.
Comcast gives lousy service, has lousy customer service, has overly high rates and packages bundled to mine your wallet for some very marginal product and has no competition. No company has lower customer satisfaction than Comcast and Time Warner Cable- two companies that should no only not be allowed to merge but should be broken up.
Next we need to kill the AT&T/Direct TV deal- another ill advised concentration of media designed more to line the pockets of Wall Street Banksters and Lawyers than serve shareholders or consumers. I fund it curious these companies have endless Dollars for acquisitions but not one thin dime to extend their service area. The $45 Billion Comcast was willing to spend on Time Warner could have built out a competing service in the Time Warner service area- same for AT&T.
The NBC/Universal Merger should have never been allowed and the corrupt actions that were involved in gaining approval of that deal (a Republican FCC Commissioner approved the deal and then went to work for Comcast) were so blatantly over the top. Not since the captive non-regulation of Republican Commissioner Michael Powell was the public so poorly served by a supposed regulator.
Comcast gives lousy service, has lousy customer service, has overly high rates and packages bundled to mine your wallet for some very marginal product and has no competition. No company has lower customer satisfaction than Comcast and Time Warner Cable- two companies that should no only not be allowed to merge but should be broken up.
Next we need to kill the AT&T/Direct TV deal- another ill advised concentration of media designed more to line the pockets of Wall Street Banksters and Lawyers than serve shareholders or consumers. I fund it curious these companies have endless Dollars for acquisitions but not one thin dime to extend their service area. The $45 Billion Comcast was willing to spend on Time Warner could have built out a competing service in the Time Warner service area- same for AT&T.
1
Perhaps Comcast execs will read these comments. Then again, it won't make a difference to them. They and their company have us by the short hairs and they know it.
From burying cable an inch deep or less (resulting in sliced cables the first time you plant a marigold), to a policy (written?) of blaming the customer first, to indifferent and sometimes rude counter service (perhaps there's a reason for this too--lousy pay, lousy corporate support?), to blazingly slow delivery speeds, to usurious fees, Comcast is the epitome of capitalism gone wrong.
The answer is a community-owned FIOS utility. It works astonishingly well and that's why Comcast, Time-Warner, and others fight so vigorously against it. It's cheaper, apparently, to buy off Congress than to compete by improving their service and their services.
From burying cable an inch deep or less (resulting in sliced cables the first time you plant a marigold), to a policy (written?) of blaming the customer first, to indifferent and sometimes rude counter service (perhaps there's a reason for this too--lousy pay, lousy corporate support?), to blazingly slow delivery speeds, to usurious fees, Comcast is the epitome of capitalism gone wrong.
The answer is a community-owned FIOS utility. It works astonishingly well and that's why Comcast, Time-Warner, and others fight so vigorously against it. It's cheaper, apparently, to buy off Congress than to compete by improving their service and their services.
12
I am not disappointed at the outcome of this episode. However, I must say that Time-Warner Cable service here on Oahu, known as Oceanic Cable, isn't half bad. They answer the phone, the reps are very polite and knowledgeable, and the repair guys show up on time and do good work. Comcast, on the other hand, is not so competent, judging from my brief experience on the east coast.
1
Seems to me the deal didn't get regulators thinking until there was an enormous public backlash. Too bad there wasn't the same public sentiment
before the banking, airlines and drug stores mergers, to name a few. We can't rely on regulators to do their job. Too much money and revolving door employment between regulators and lobbying firms has polluted and corrupted the process put in place to protect the consumer.
before the banking, airlines and drug stores mergers, to name a few. We can't rely on regulators to do their job. Too much money and revolving door employment between regulators and lobbying firms has polluted and corrupted the process put in place to protect the consumer.
16
Monopolists Comcast and Time Warner get reality - it's just not going to fly! It's a no brainer and fortunately internet innovations are performing an end around cable delivery of providing programming the way the public has been demanding for years. Note that both these companies have "utility" status that regulates as well as protects them as a consolation prize. Comcast can go back to focusing how to save it's NBC Universal unit that they let disintegrate.
1
So many comments from short-sighted folks wearing Al Franken glasses. The truth is that this is a loss for consumers, not a win.
The US needs fast, reliable IP network infrastructure in order to be competitive. The construction of that network is far from complete, and it is far from ubiquitous. Comcast is by far the company most aggressively pursuing the buildout of that network. This deal would have expanded the reach of that buildout to millions more homes and businesses. (It would also have pushed it to millions more through the side deals with other cable providers.) Of course Comcast would have provided access to a large chunk of broadband customers; they're they're the only ones spending the money, digging the ditches, and running the fiber to get them!
Study the history of infrastructure buildouts in the US. Look at how the telegraph, telephone, and electrical grid were created. Then come back and take another look at broadband, where it is, and where it should be going. If the government was truly for the people it would have let this deal go through with a single proviso; that Comcast offer broadband to everyone within a set radius of their target markets. For example, Comcast wanted New York City and its suburbs. Okay, but push out further, into the rural areas, where the profits aren't as great.
Build the infrastructure. That's where the focus should be, not on petty quarrels over TV channels and so-called net neutrality.
This is a loss, not a win.
The US needs fast, reliable IP network infrastructure in order to be competitive. The construction of that network is far from complete, and it is far from ubiquitous. Comcast is by far the company most aggressively pursuing the buildout of that network. This deal would have expanded the reach of that buildout to millions more homes and businesses. (It would also have pushed it to millions more through the side deals with other cable providers.) Of course Comcast would have provided access to a large chunk of broadband customers; they're they're the only ones spending the money, digging the ditches, and running the fiber to get them!
Study the history of infrastructure buildouts in the US. Look at how the telegraph, telephone, and electrical grid were created. Then come back and take another look at broadband, where it is, and where it should be going. If the government was truly for the people it would have let this deal go through with a single proviso; that Comcast offer broadband to everyone within a set radius of their target markets. For example, Comcast wanted New York City and its suburbs. Okay, but push out further, into the rural areas, where the profits aren't as great.
Build the infrastructure. That's where the focus should be, not on petty quarrels over TV channels and so-called net neutrality.
This is a loss, not a win.
Sanity intrudes, at last.
The only thing that could possibly more expensive, incompetent and unresponsive than either Comcast or Time Warner would be a new conglomerate named ComCast/Warner, or whatever they proposed to name their new atrocity.
"A man's got to know his limitations ...", as Dirty Harry said.
The only thing that could possibly more expensive, incompetent and unresponsive than either Comcast or Time Warner would be a new conglomerate named ComCast/Warner, or whatever they proposed to name their new atrocity.
"A man's got to know his limitations ...", as Dirty Harry said.
8
Comcast commercial phone/internet services for our office in New Jersey were terrible. Let Comcast get its act together after this disapproval by the federal government. The public be damned attitude by Roberts and his buddies needed to be stopped. Good job by the FTC.
9
I'd like to join tens of millions of others Americans in a collective sigh of relief.
21
Thank goodness. Separate, they were two awful companies. Combined, they would have been a nightmare.
9
Thank you to the six senators, including Senator Franken and Senator Bernie Sanders for not caving on this hot mess attempt at giant monopoly.
Comcast is sure to try another way to hold all the cards, as is TWC; any pretense that this is the free market is delusional.
At least we have six senators not drinking the Kool aid. Thank you!
Comcast is sure to try another way to hold all the cards, as is TWC; any pretense that this is the free market is delusional.
At least we have six senators not drinking the Kool aid. Thank you!
13
The fact that TWC and Comcast (and other Telcos) are inept at running a telecommunications business in my mind is a direct result not realizing the scope of what they were getting into. I worked for an internet service provider and everyday I heard the Network Engineers grumbling about the insane things they had to put up with, how they warned management that they were forcing a square peg into a round hole. Managements attitude? Oh well we will work that out after the fact, we need to get this rolled out now. We will just have to ramp-up our efforts. Oh sure, as if using the words 'roll out' and 'ramp-up' were magical terms that would make the impossible happen -NOT. Oh and lets not forget the clincher that many of these sort of companies needed huge cash infusion to get started and keep the ball rolling. End result? Laughable service and a turnover rate even a Thz CPU couldn't keep up with. I can't wait for the resulting daytime reality show 'As The Heads Roll' debuts.
4
Rather than buy the garbage that Comcast offers to get a few good stations, and even then , a few good programs on them, we put up an aerial and are getting the major networks. It feels just fine, and we watch a lot less television--a net plus in our quality of life rankings. We read more--remember books? Exercise more. See the relatives. And take longer walks. If and when we get to pick exactly the service we want, only then might we be customers.
8
Still doesn't change the fact that Comcast is the only Internet provider in my area. Stopping this merger is a great thing, but it doesn't actually increase competition for either television or broadband anywhere.
I'd like this to be the first step towards real competition in broadband, particularly.
I'd like this to be the first step towards real competition in broadband, particularly.
20
The realities are is that the public, and maybe the FCC, finally figured out the downside of allowing as in the past the NBC/Universal merger to proceed. What a pathetic lineup on cable TV we have been driven to.
Fast forward to our ISP (Internet service provider) the Spector of Comcast controlIng 50% of the Internet deliveries in the U.S. in terms of speed and content. While connectivity is usually, sadly, controlled by long term local franchise contracts we are restricted to the price/performance structure driven by the duopoly of cable & telecom companies. We expect our regulators to protect us and guide us. Are they, do they understand, the issues? Follow the money, look at campaign contributions and speak out often and loudly.
Fast forward and think where we need to be in 20 years and make our regulatory decions based on the future not on where our today's influential monies are driving us.
Fast forward to our ISP (Internet service provider) the Spector of Comcast controlIng 50% of the Internet deliveries in the U.S. in terms of speed and content. While connectivity is usually, sadly, controlled by long term local franchise contracts we are restricted to the price/performance structure driven by the duopoly of cable & telecom companies. We expect our regulators to protect us and guide us. Are they, do they understand, the issues? Follow the money, look at campaign contributions and speak out often and loudly.
Fast forward and think where we need to be in 20 years and make our regulatory decions based on the future not on where our today's influential monies are driving us.
2
Doubtless, due to the failure of, "Several of the nation’s top investment banks...[to] miss out on tens of millions of dollars in advisory fees" and for TimeWarner CEO Rob Marcus to lose his "extraordinary" $80 million "exit package" the stock market will fall tomorrow. However, fear not! These same banks and their oh-so-clever executives knew about the decision some time ago and anticipated the market with short-sales. They win either way. As Bob Dylan wrote, "Ain't no use jivin'/ain't no use jokin'/ everything is broken."
3
The violins are out.
Who should we feel most sorry for: Comcast (or Brian Roberts, appetite whetted but not sated), Time Warner (or Mr. Marcus, missing his $80 million package), Wall Street Investment Banks (missing out on tens of millions of advisory fees), or consumers (who surely would have benefited from the awesome customer-service, increased choice, and far more competitive pricing had the deal gone through)? Tough choice.
Who should we feel most sorry for: Comcast (or Brian Roberts, appetite whetted but not sated), Time Warner (or Mr. Marcus, missing his $80 million package), Wall Street Investment Banks (missing out on tens of millions of advisory fees), or consumers (who surely would have benefited from the awesome customer-service, increased choice, and far more competitive pricing had the deal gone through)? Tough choice.
7
The Justice Department “is not confident in its ability to restrain Comcast with conduct remedies,” he said, referring to concessions Comcast might offer to win approval. “They are too powerful and they had shown before they don’t respect them very much.” -- Substitute DOJ for Comcast customers. The chickens have come home to roost for Comcast's horrible customer service record.
2
Having lived in both Philadelphia and NYC and been subjected to the terrible service of both Comcast and Time Warner (Comcast being the worst by far), all I can say is....
Whew.
Whew.
7
This is good news. Comcast can't be trusted.
5
Cause to celebrate! Thank goodness and Al Franken! I don't know how bad Time Warner is but I can write volumes about vile Comcast....
6
Folks... all you need to know about this article is that Comcast is evil... we now return you to your regular programming.
6
It's amazing to see the snow job done on this by 3 or 4 GIANT corporations. Who are the winners in this deal? Consumers.... Nope although they were conscripted to fight on behalf of big-money Silicon Valley interests.
Netflix. Facebook. Google. It's party time in the valley tonight. The new rich get richer.
It's good to see the liberal machine rallying around big corporations for a change.
Netflix. Facebook. Google. It's party time in the valley tonight. The new rich get richer.
It's good to see the liberal machine rallying around big corporations for a change.
You must not be a Comcast customer. If you were you would know why everyone was against this deal. Comcast has the well-deserved reputation as the single worst company anyone ever has to deal with. We are all very fortunate that TWC, which is not nearly so bad, has been left (for now) to breathe on its own
1
Yahoo!!! A big , evil corporation(though about 85% of its stock is owned by the Chairman) didn't get its way for once. I also noticed one of the main reasons why the merger would have been denied is because Comcast failed to adhere to its past agreements- yet no penalty for do so, another sign our system is broken. Lie your way to a merger, renege on your agreements, Go to jail, you don't. The American public seems to think it's alright, then it must be. Comcast banked on that mentality when it sought this merger.
9
Comcast is unquestionably the most vile and difficult company I have ever had to deal with. Having allowed them to combine with TWC would have sent a message condoning their eminently dishonest and monopolistic approach and would have ended up being an unmitigated disaster for all Americans as well as for the US government. Never have I encountered the customers of any company so unified in their distaste -- I should say hatred -- of that company. I am heartened by the uniform collection of negative responses on this website. May Comcast and their army of cheating lobbyists die a difficult, but speedy, death.
22
It was heartening to read so many fellow Comcast users having the exact same complaints about their customer service. Maybe some changes can be effected, like breaking them up and making these data sellers charge less, for less of what we do not want.
13
Not sure about anyone else - but kind of glad to hear CEO's & investment banks will be losing out on various fees tied to successfully bringing off this merger -glad to hear sometimes these decisions are made right & not just to line the pockets of the most powerful and wealthy in the nation.
16
Two lousy companies with monopolies in their prospective markets.
In my upper west side neighborhood we hardly have any other options
than overpriced, underperforming TWC. Because we live surrounded by buildings
using an antenna and dumping TWC is impossible due to losing the weak signal.
We need more options-competition, and far better service.
Let TV and internet service have as many options/providers as we have with cell service.
In my upper west side neighborhood we hardly have any other options
than overpriced, underperforming TWC. Because we live surrounded by buildings
using an antenna and dumping TWC is impossible due to losing the weak signal.
We need more options-competition, and far better service.
Let TV and internet service have as many options/providers as we have with cell service.
8
I wish our public officials -- like New York City officials -- would get more involved in this -- whether encouraging competition, having city-run broadband, whatever. They used to make the argument they couldn't just kick TWC out the door because of their "infrastructure" investments. Baloney. That was 40 years ago. And the infrastructure isn't any good anyway.
People hate TWC, Verizon, Con Ed, etc. Why don't officials recogonize this and do something about it?
People hate TWC, Verizon, Con Ed, etc. Why don't officials recogonize this and do something about it?
Well that is almost enough but as usual it isn't even half a loaf.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"The company had dismissed concerns that the deal would face major backlash from regulators, arguing that the transaction would not change the competitive landscape because the two companies did not compete in the same markets."
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As sad as that statement is, it is also true. But why in that name of competition are these two, or any, large companies allowed to carve out spheres where they do not compete with one another. Isn't that a cartel.
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"The company had dismissed concerns that the deal would face major backlash from regulators, arguing that the transaction would not change the competitive landscape because the two companies did not compete in the same markets."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As sad as that statement is, it is also true. But why in that name of competition are these two, or any, large companies allowed to carve out spheres where they do not compete with one another. Isn't that a cartel.
9
How much was spent on the failed efforts and how will it affect our bills? For a $45 billion attempt will there be a 5%, 10% or more increase to cover bonuses and the bankers, lawyers, etc involved? We'll see in their next SEC filings and can budget accordingly.
Considering the costs the consumers will get hit with, I would like to have the FCC clearly lay out the understanding that will avoid these exploits in the future.
Considering the costs the consumers will get hit with, I would like to have the FCC clearly lay out the understanding that will avoid these exploits in the future.
10
Two horrible companies would have merged into one big inescapable horrible company... good riddance.
22
I must say the thought of Comcast, the company with the worst customer service reputation in America, having even more control over the internet and TV made a shiver run down my spine. And not in a good way. Thank goodness this deal is dead. How much did they spend on lawyer fees to get to this point?
25
Our cable and internet provider services are much more expensive than the rest of the world and often for services of less quality due the lack of competition in the US. We are paying more for less just like our health care. Why do we allow this to continue?
39
It was not competition that built those services in those other countries that folks like you love to reference. It was tax dollars. And it is tax dollars that keep the prices down. The US has historically built its infrastructure through private enterprise, not taxes. The sole exception is the interstate highway system. If you want to replicate that in order to build the broadband network, I'm behind you all the way. I'll even look the other way as contractors lie, cheat and steal those tax dollars in the name of building. But somebody had better build it, and they had better build it soon.
Kudos to our regulatory agencies for performing their due diligence. This can start to atone for the horrid NBCUniversal aquisition that precipitated a monopoly in the media industry.
26
This won't come as a surprise, but Comcast and TWC are literally two of the most hated companies in America. People have truly strong and passionate feelings about those two brands....and rightly earned.
21
So no mandate for both companies to clean up their act and provide better service? Who cares about Rob Marcus's lost payday and the lost investment banking fees for the banks!? What are the regulators doing to help the consumers?
23
I hope this serves notice to Comcast: We customers don't like your takeover of the cable industry. I wish we could kick them out of the business entirely. If there ever was an "evil empire."
30
I would like to think this means there is a very real price to be paid for poor customer service, even when there is little competitive pressure on a business. There is much to be learned from this loss, let's see if Roberts, Cohen, and the rest of the Comcast executive team can overcome their hubris and learn it.
24
Well, I'm grateful we Time Warner customers in Milwaukee won't be sold off to Charter, whose prices and service are as bad as Comcast's, from what I've read. At least not yet.
1
I want to thank Senator Al Franken and the other senators who worked with consumers, fielded complaints and went to bat for those of us who were fed up and really concerned about the monopoly — Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, of Massachusetts, Ron Wyden of Oregon and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut — and Bernard Sanders, independent from Vermont.
There is more to be done in terms of consumer protections with these companies and this was an important first step.
Thank you Senators.
There is more to be done in terms of consumer protections with these companies and this was an important first step.
Thank you Senators.
77
Amen, yea verily, and please add my humble gratitude to those who held true to the consumer! Words cannot convey how much appreciation goes to applaud their dedication to the common good of the people. And not give in to the greed of the parasites benefiting from this conglomerate. Thank you, Thank you, Thank YOU!!!
3
Monopolies are nowadays created by buying out rivals instead of getting better than them. The FCC has finally found some use.
30
Well, well... Sometimes government works after all. Heartening to know that not quite everything is for sale in DC.
Genuinely good news.
Genuinely good news.
46
How it took this long is what worries me, with all the lying and reneging Comcast did in the past.. Maybe if the chairman of Comcast was war criminal the deal would have been squashed a long time ago. Amazing what corporate America can get away with - a few hundred thousand $$$ here , a few hundred thousand $$$ there.
1
The official explanation:
"Facing intense regulatory scrutiny, Comcast is planning to abandon its $45 billion takeover of Time Warner Cable..."
Reality:
The Justice Department “is not confident in its ability to restrain Comcast with conduct remedies,” he said, referring to potential concessions Comcast might offer to win approval. “They are too powerful and they had shown before they don’t respect them very much.”
Although public antipathy toward the merger is downplayed, it played a big part in derailing the merger. The corporate media also downplayed the role of grassroots activism in preserving net neutrality.
In both instances, only a handful of progressive Democrats spoke out on the side of the people. With both parties abandoning their responsibility to protect the public, clearly, it is time for the people to expand and strengthen their activism in the battle against corporate domination.
"Facing intense regulatory scrutiny, Comcast is planning to abandon its $45 billion takeover of Time Warner Cable..."
Reality:
The Justice Department “is not confident in its ability to restrain Comcast with conduct remedies,” he said, referring to potential concessions Comcast might offer to win approval. “They are too powerful and they had shown before they don’t respect them very much.”
Although public antipathy toward the merger is downplayed, it played a big part in derailing the merger. The corporate media also downplayed the role of grassroots activism in preserving net neutrality.
In both instances, only a handful of progressive Democrats spoke out on the side of the people. With both parties abandoning their responsibility to protect the public, clearly, it is time for the people to expand and strengthen their activism in the battle against corporate domination.
74
A victory for consumers.. Go suck wind Comcast! And they thought money could buy everything.. Why don't they try taking care of their customer, THEN try and get a deal done..
35
let's hope this leads to the same restrictions in other industries.
also that somehow a 'subscription' means a better choice of tv stations. anyone remember when cable also meant NO COMMERCIALS?
also that somehow a 'subscription' means a better choice of tv stations. anyone remember when cable also meant NO COMMERCIALS?
25
What's the phrase I'm looking for? Oh yeah.....thank god!!
18
Great news! What's good for Comcast is bad for America.
34
When people complain that everyone in Washington is corrupt we can remind them of this moment and of Al Franken, who has shown outstanding leadership on this issue. Maybe we need more SNL alumnae in Congress.
64
Thank you, Al Franken!
47
As a Time Warner Cable customer, I am relieved. But I am still thinking of dumping TWC in favor of a local phone company when my contract is up for renewal.
10
I dumped TWC for ATT Uverse! I am very happy!
Woo hoo! Could we be turning a corner? So sick of the "monopolies are good for consumers!" era, which has lasted most of my lifetime.
16
Quite a relief to see this ill-conceived deal fail, now rather than later, because there's no question in my mind that the implementation would have been a disaster. If both organizations were at the pinnacle of customer service, perhaps (though my capitalist heart would still wince at such a monopoly). But considering how low each rank on that scale?
I'm happy that so many forces came together to prevent this sure-to-be debacle, and especially enjoyed seeing Sen. Al Franken at the forefront of this issue in recent weeks.
"You're good enough, you're smart enough and doggone it, people like you!"
I'm happy that so many forces came together to prevent this sure-to-be debacle, and especially enjoyed seeing Sen. Al Franken at the forefront of this issue in recent weeks.
"You're good enough, you're smart enough and doggone it, people like you!"
32
Good that the merger did not happen. Now it is time for Comcast to fix its own mess. As I wrote before, Comcast's main issue is its junior-level and mid-level managers. Comcast is a extremely hierarchical and bureaucratic company. There are Managers, Sr. Managers, Directors, Sr.. Directors, Executive Directors, VP I, VP II, VP III, SVP etc. Majority of them are incompetent as compared to other company managers. In particular, majority of the managers in Comcast's technology, engineering, and technical operation are incompetent. They are developing poor quality products and services with very high cost. As a result, the price of Comcast's product and services are high and Comcast services are poor. It is now time to fix Comcast's internal problem.
21
"They are developing poor quality products and services with very high cost."
I don't know enough about Comcast to disagree, but I've one data point to add to this. I've been pestering Verizon about IPv6 support on my home FIOS connection for years now. Visiting my parents, I was amazed to learn that this is just a part of the service they receive from Comcast.
So in at least this one small way, Comcast does appear to have done something right.
...Andrew
I don't know enough about Comcast to disagree, but I've one data point to add to this. I've been pestering Verizon about IPv6 support on my home FIOS connection for years now. Visiting my parents, I was amazed to learn that this is just a part of the service they receive from Comcast.
So in at least this one small way, Comcast does appear to have done something right.
...Andrew
Andrew - I'm sure 99% of Comcast customers would happily trade ISPs with you...if you can IPv6 make that happen.
Yes I know what IPv6 is and trust me nobody cares.
Yes I know what IPv6 is and trust me nobody cares.
[This comment is in reply to A. Gideon; I mention this because it appears as though replies are not being attributed properly.] Comcast has been at the forefront of bringing IPv6 from concept to everyday reality for almost 10 years. They're also at the forefront of many other technologies designed to bring more data to more devices more quickly. One of the reasons they can drive these types of technologies is their size and buying power.
This high speed broadband data infrastructure thing is nowhere near being finished (as I keep harping on about), and Comcast is one of its greatest facilitators. It's really too bad they have such a big customer service issue, because otherwise their achievements and ongoing efforts in these areas might be better recognized outside of their immediate spheres.
This high speed broadband data infrastructure thing is nowhere near being finished (as I keep harping on about), and Comcast is one of its greatest facilitators. It's really too bad they have such a big customer service issue, because otherwise their achievements and ongoing efforts in these areas might be better recognized outside of their immediate spheres.
Good job by Emily Steel, one of the authors of this report. She called it 2 days ago in an article that pointed out Comcast has a poor history of following the agreements once they close the merger.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/22/business/media/6-senators-urge-rejecti...
The regulators could clearly see that this move would be anti-competitive for cable subscribers as well as anybody that has Comcast or TWC as an internet provider. And no matter what concessions they made to get approval, they weren't likely to follow through, based on their history.
A win for consumers!
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/22/business/media/6-senators-urge-rejecti...
The regulators could clearly see that this move would be anti-competitive for cable subscribers as well as anybody that has Comcast or TWC as an internet provider. And no matter what concessions they made to get approval, they weren't likely to follow through, based on their history.
A win for consumers!
26
Thanks God for this goo news! Hopefully, these two antiquated price gouging kluge organizations will be allowed to morph into the zombie corporations they are, will dissolve, fade away, make room for newly emerging platforms..
13
Good. Next, all local cable systems must be mandated to allow access to at least one competitive service provider.
32
Thank god. Nothing good would have came out of this deal for the customers.....
47
This merger would have been the equivalent of two garbage trucks colliding.
68
This company wants it all. When they want local governments to give them a protected monopoly, they say they are a public service. But when they put the screws to communities where people have no choices, all of a sudden it's free enterprise. They say they have fostered telco innovation. But they have forced dozens of vendors to divulge proprietary IP under the guise of industry education, then stolen or copied it so inventors sell out for nickels. They say they will provide Internet access at low cost for the underprivileged, but they limit access to all but a handful.
No wonder Americans exclaim "Comcast!" whenever there's a poll for most reviled customer service in the country.
No wonder Americans exclaim "Comcast!" whenever there's a poll for most reviled customer service in the country.
55
What a relief! Let's hope the deal really is called off & there are no second thoughts.
20
Kudos to President Obama for terminating this deal. If it had happened, rates would have skyrocketed for lousy service.
53
What did I miss? The article says nothing about this being Obama's interest, how was he involved?
Every once in a while, there's a news story that gives us a glimmer of hope: that money doesn't control everything, that regulators are in fact doing their job; and that the overlords do not always get their way.
This is one of those moments. Savor it.
This is one of those moments. Savor it.
129
Good! Now force the telecoms who took $200 billion from the government to build out high-speed Internet infrastructure to actually do it!
111
Honestly, they should have known better from the start. While being the single most hated company in America (from a customer satisfaction standpoint), they have also tried their hardest to prevent competition from startup ISPs, lobbying for regulations that basically preclude the possibility. All this in addition to pushing the FCC to allow them to add another completely arbitrary layer of cost to obtaining internet service by charging extra for traffic of their choosing on their networks. The collapse of this deal should have been a foregone conclusion.
85
Agreed. There are huge costs involved in this failed effort and customers will pay!
1
But here is what we do know, Comcast has turned into a behemoth flesh eating monster. Internet cost are exorbitant and service is sub standard.
In the words of a music artist - "it doesn't have to make 'sense' - it just needs to make 'cents'." This deal never made sense, but can you imagine how much 'cent' it would generate?