So...
"We'll stop trying to monopolise internet content as long as you let us monopolise TV content" says AT&T...
Can anyone else see the problem here?
AT&T will give in to net neutrality rules in the US – provided it is allowed to buy DirecTV. The telco wants to gobble up DirecTV for $49bn, and the FCC (America's broadband regulator) wants the telco to obey new rules for an open internet. According to the Washington Post, execs at AT&T are willing to drop their objections …
AT&T + Directv is still smaller than Comcast is without the merger. Most people will still have the same number of options for TV service (cable, Dish Network, Directv/AT&T) The only ones who lose an option are those who live where AT&T offers Uverse service as a fourth option, but since it isn't fiber all the way like Verizon FIOS it is a pretty poor option so there's no loss.
I would make AT&T put that in writing, signed, notarized, and then a copy must be given to anybody who has any form of AT&T service. Then require AT&T to place a permanent link on their homepage with a notice which says they will obey net neutrality. And included in the notice is that if AT&T does not provide 100% net neutrality then the penalty is to give all their customers, no matter what service, a free month of service. And when they do all that, say "we will think about it".
And yes, this is pure and simple blackmail. Is there really anyone naïve and stupid enough to believe that this would be the only time they use it? Or that if they're successful, another company wouldn't try to use it? Hell.. if anyone of us tried this, they'd lock us way.