back to article AT&T: We'll play nice with net neutrality, just let us gobble DirecTV

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 …

  1. Graham Marsden
    Holmes

    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?

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: So...

      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.

  2. Efros

    The only reason

    for these mega mergers is market dominance, and we know that can only mean one thing as far as the customer is concerned more money for less service.

  3. ma1010
    FAIL

    You gotta love the arrogance

    AT&T says "We'll obey the law -- IF you let us do what we want"

    Only an already-too-large corporation could say that with a straight face. And let ANY of the rest of us try that line with a cop and see what happens.

    1. Wade Burchette

      Re: You gotta love the arrogance

      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".

  4. Mage Silver badge

    Remind Me.

    Which US TV services does Rupert Murdoch's tentacles control?

  5. mIRCat
    Childcatcher

    Actions speak louder than money.

    Any one with children knows that you don't negotiate on the promises of good behavior. Even if they managed to cooperate for a full year previous I'd find myself leery of making any form of agreement with them.

    But we can't forget the Golden Rule.

  6. Mark 85

    If they get away with this "blackmail, they'll get away with it again.

    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.

    1. Medixstiff

      Re: If they get away with this "blackmail, they'll get away with it again.

      "Is there really anyone naïve and stupid enough to believe that this would be the only time they use it?"

      However this is the US and money talks and plenty of politicians have been bought over there.

      1. RuthlessLogic

        Re: If they get away with this "blackmail, they'll get away with it again.

        Not sure how it being in the US is relevant.

        If you think politicians aren't bought in every country then you're hopelessly naive.

  7. Identity

    Meanwhile...

    National Public Radio reports this morning that T-Mobile wants to slurp Dish Network.

  8. Jonjonz

    Monopoly Power

    Regulations are no problem if your a monopoly.

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