Ars Technica
Comcast Gets a Merger Approval, But Objects to New Low-Income Requirements
California seeks more cheap Internet for the poor. Comcast says it's too hard.
By Jon Brodkin
Feb 14, 2015
California has tentatively approved Comcast's $45.2 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable, but Comcast isn't entirely happy because some of the conditions demanded by the state "create a more intrusive regulatory regime."
The proposed approval with conditions came yesterday from Public Utilities Commission Administrative Law Judge Karl Bemesderfer. Comcast Executive VP David Cohen quickly wrote a response criticizing Bemesderfer's proposed conditions.
Read moreProposed CPUC Decision Requires Major Expansion of Low-Cost Internet Program
For Immediate Release
Updated: February 16, 2015
Contact: Susan Walters, Senior Vice President
Office: 415-744-2385
Email: [email protected]
Proposed Decision of California Public Utilities Commission Administrative Law Judge Recommends Approval of Comcast-TWC Merger and Requires Major Expansion of Low-Cost Internet Program
Proposed CPUC decision requires Comcast to offer affordable Internet service to all low-income households, enroll 45% of eligible households in 2 years
San Francisco, CA – February 16, 2015 – The presiding Administrative Law Judge at the California Public Utilities Commission on Friday issued a proposed decision for approval of the merger of Comcast and Time Warner Cable, Inc. but requiring significant public interest conditions that were requested by the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the Digital Divide in California. CETF urges the full Commission to approve the proposed decision with a yes vote on Thursday, March 26, 2015, after comments are received on the decision by parties. Among the highlights:
Bloomberg News
Does Comcast Really Reach Out to Poor People?
By Todd Shields
December 22, 2014
As he defended Comcast Corp.’s latest proposed acquisition before U.S. senators, a top company executive showcased the cable provider’s cut-rate broadband service for poor families.
“An amazing success,” David Cohen, who handles government affairs for Comcast, said during an April hearing on his company’s $45.2 billion bid for Time Warner Cable Inc.
Comcast is dangling the promise of expanding the program -- and helping to close the digital divide that sees one in four U.S. households without an Internet connection -- as U.S. regulators decide whether to allow the merger.
Read more
EveryoneOn
Tell the FCC Make the Internet Affordable for Everyone!
If you know somebody, a friend, a family member or even yourself, who does not have high-speed Internet at home, here are options for cheap Internet!
Here’s how you can obtain low-cost Internet service for low-income families and individuals, including affordable Internet for yourself and your own family.
EveryoneOn is a national non-profit working to eliminate the digital divide by making affordable Internet, low-cost computers, and free digital literacy courses available unconnected U.S. residents. Click read more to learn your options.
The Washington Post
Why Comcast’s $10 A Month Internet Isn’t All It’s Cracked Up To Be
By Cecilia Kang
May 9, 2014
Washington Post
PHILADELPHIA — As Comcast tries to win over regulators reviewing its controversial merger with Time Warner Cable, its well-honed lobbying campaign often highlights a company program offering Internet to low-income families.
In the Washington area, ads promoting the program, known as Internet Essentials, plaster the Metro and flood radio waves during the morning commute. In a recent video on Comcast’s Web site, NBC News reporter Andrea Mitchell touted the benefits of the program, which offers Internet for $10 a month to families whose children qualify for free or reduced-price lunches at school.
“Whether you’re researching George Washington for a history paper or searching for a job, Internet access is essential,” Mitchell said.
But many low-income consumers say accessing Comcast’s program isn’t so easy.
Read moreThe Sacramento Bee
Viewpoints: Make Sure Comcast Provides Low-Income Internet Access As Part Of Merger
By Delaine Eastin - Special To The Bee
Sep. 14, 2014
The digital divide remains as wide as the Central Valley for the poorest California children, but not because of a lack of interest among our low-income families. After a short news item aired on Spanish-language TV recently about an affordable home Internet offer, 2,700 calls jammed the call center – on a Friday night.
As a lifelong educator, I know access to affordable technology at school and at home is the great equalizer. Yet, with 25 percent of Californians lacking high-speed Internet access at home, we are a long way from granting equality to low-income Californians who remain stuck on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Read moreArs Technica
Comcast’s Internet For The Poor Too Hard To Sign Up For, Advocates Say
FCC urged to boost Comcast's commitments in Time Warner Cable merger.
by Jon Brodkin
July 23 2014
A California nonprofit says that a Comcast Internet service program for poor people is too difficult to sign up for, resulting in just 11 percent of eligible households in the state getting service.
Comcast had to create the $10-per-month Internet Essentials program in order to secure approval of its acquisition of NBCUniversal in 2011. About 300,000 households containing 1.2 million people nationwide have gotten cheap Internet service as a result, but the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) complains that the signup process is riddled with problems, a charge Comcast denies.
Comcast COO admits: "Retention agent... did a lot of what we trained him to do."
Read more