Wrong Headed
Some on this board are saying, "So what? They already have a monopoly on my house, the merger doesn't change anything." Of course it does. As the article states, the enormous debt that Charter will have to take on will leave it NO choice (and a terrific excuse) to raise rates, introduce Metered Internet Billing, and introduce other fees and practices to raise it's revenues and profits. Once the debt is paid down (not too many years) the usurious rates and fees and other practices will remain--and get worse. Because of the duopoly that will then exist between Comcast and New Charter, they will be "bullet-proof" in front of Congress, the FCC, and any state or local "regulatory" body. They are already among the biggest, best funded lobbyists and campaign contributors in the country, and their fleecing power will only become more pervasive.
The monopoly cable industry has publicly stated their prediction that "cable" bills (meaning internet service, as the TV part of it is dying) will reach $200 to $300 per month within 3 to 5 years. Remember, that's just for internet service, no content. Add on Netflix, HBO, Sports, CBS and whatever else, and you have a $3,000 to $4,000 a year bill--and huge profits for the monopolies. If this buyout is allowed to happen, it will prove the regulatory bodies are completely corrupt, and have given up on the public interest. It stinks.
This buyout cannot be allowed. It is in NO one's interest except the executives and stockholders. That's not good enough.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
