Comcast’s deal to acquire Time Warner Cable would give the communications giant unprecedented control over America’s broadband network, allowing it to serve as gatekeeper to the internet, according to critics of the deal announced last week.
If regulators approve the $45.2 billion purchase, Comcast will service one-third of U.S. broadband households and almost half of the bundle market for internet, television and phone service.
The specter of one company monopolizing the digital lanes the country uses to access the web has open internet advocates spoiling for a fight. They warn that if a deal is allowed to go through, Comcast will haveย the power to stifle innovation, making the path steeper for the next Google or Facebook.