The largest broadband backbone provider in the world says Comcast has set up a tollbooth, charging it a fee to deliver Netflix content to Comcast customers. “This action by Comcast threatens the open Internet and is a clear abuse of the dominant control that Comcast exerts in broadband access,” said Level 3 in a statement. [More]
mergers
Consumers Union Asks You To Say No To Comcast/NBC Deal
By 11.30.10
With the clock still ticking on the proposed purchase of NBC Universal by Comcast, our benevolent benefactors at Consumers Union has launched a new website and advertising campaign to step up its efforts to alert the public to the perils of the deal. [More]
Comcast Political Giving Up 61% Since Announcing NBC Deal
By 10.19.10
Since reaching a deal to buy NBC Universal in Dec. 2009, Comcast has increased its PAC contributions to election campaigns by 61% over the amount it gave in the same period leading up to the 2008 elections. [More]
FCC Questions Slow Down NBC/Comcast Merger Express
By 10.5.10
Unlike the recent United/Continental merger, which blazed through its regulatory hurdles like something that goes really fast through something else, the marriage of NBC Universal and Comcast isn’t moving as speedily. Yesterday, the FCC hit both bride and groom with a handful of questions it wants answered before giving its blessing to the union. [More]
Continental & United Make Their Union Official
By 10.1.10
Just two weeks after shareholders for both United and Continental Airlines gave their blessing, the two carriers snuck off to city hall this morning to officially say “I do” so they can get around to screwing… up the airline industry. [More]
What Does Southwest Buying Air-Tran Mean For Consumers?
By 9.27.10
So, what are the consumer repercussions of the surprise acquisition of AirTran by fellow low-fare airline Southwest? Airfarewatchdog‘s George Hobica is worried that fewer competitors, especially at this price point, will mean that Southwest and other airlines will have less pressure to keep fares low. He also expects more mergers on the horizon. [More]
Southwest Buys Air-Tran
By 9.27.10
Overweight people wearing rude tshirts or skimpy clothes will soon have fewer flying options, now that Southwest Airlines is buying Air-Tran. The deal was announced this morning and comes a week after Continental and United Airlines merged. Southwest will get more access to places like New York, Boston, Baltimore, Washington, and expand into places like Atlanta for the first time. [More]
Shareholders Say "Voltron Unite!" To United-Continental Merger
By 9.17.10
United and Continental are oh so close to merging, now that shareholders for both airlines have approved the deal. [More]
Here's What A Merged United/Continental Plane Will Look Like
By 8.12.10
Continental and United Airlines won’t officially join to form their airline Voltron for several months, but yesterday they released this image of how the branding on their planes will work once the merger is complete. [More]
Passengers Sue To Stop Continental-United Merger
By 6.30.10
With both Continental and United Airlines ready to say “I do,” a group of peeved passengers has busted into the church prepared to give their reasons for why these two carriers should not be wed. [More]
Christian Groups Want To Know How Much Comcast Makes From Porn
By 6.28.10
As the government continues to pretend that it cares what anyone thinks about Comcast’s merger with NBC Universal, a coalition of Christian media watchdog groups are asking the cable giant to publicly divulge how much money it makes from porn channels and pay-per-view. [More]
U.S. Airways CEO Says His Company Is Happy Being Single
By 6.10.10
While merger and consolidation is the name of the game for many in the airline industry these days, the CEO of U.S. Airways says he’s happy with having dinner for one right now. [More]
Congresswoman Hints That Comcast May Have Tried To Buy Her Support
By 6.8.10
As the merger of Worst Company In America 2010 and only-worth-watching-for-Biggest-Loser network NBC continues to limp forward through the bureaucratic maze, a California Congresswoman hinted not so subtly yesterday that the cable giant had contacted her in a not-exactly-professional manner. [More]
Will The Continental / United Airlines Merger Screw Consumers?
By 5.19.10
The prevailing attitude has been that impending nuptials between United and Continental will be a disaster for consumers, but the NYT has taken another look and come to some slightly less hysterical conclusions. [More]
Houston and Cleveland Lose, Chicago Wins In UA/Continental Merger
By 5.5.10
If and when the United/Continental merger is finalized, it’s going to be very good news for Chicago, which will retain its status as the new airline’s headquarters. Cleveland, on the other hand, will lose out, since it will basically be a redundant hub stuck between the airline’s bigger operations in Chicago and Newark. And, Houston, current HQ of Continental? Sorry, pardner. [More]
What Should You Do With Your United and Continental Miles?
By 5.4.10
The Continental/United merger may not be officially consummated for several months, if ever. In the meantime, what should you do to make sure your frequent flyer points with the two airlines don’t fly the coop? Consumer Reports has some tips to protect your miles, including cashing some of them in right now, before any changes are made to the reward structure. [More]
United And Continental Will Merge, Become Largest Airline
By 5.3.10
The NYT says that Continental and United Airlines have agreed to a $3 billion merger that will create the world’s largest airline, eclipsing current front-runner, Delta. [More]
What Do You Think Of A Continental/United Merger?
By 4.30.10
It’s being widely reported that Continental Airlines and United Airlines, who have flirted with the idea in the past, could announce merger plans as early as Monday. If so, the deal would make the combined entity the largest airline in the world. But is that a good thing for travelers? [More]
