[Dirtbag59]

U.S. asks Comcast for more data to review Time Warner Cable merger | Reuters

Notably, the FCC asked numerous questions focused on Comcast's broadband business, seeking an overview of the company's competitors in each geographic area, use of data caps and tools for traffic management.

Though analysts predict that the FCC will ultimately approve the merger, the regulators are expected to impose various conditions. Particular attention is on Internet traffic management issues as the FCC is working on new "net neutrality" rules that guide how Internet providers route web content on their networks and could use merger conditions in lieu of rules that are facing a heated debate.

Stage 3 - Bargaining
So basically the only thing we can hope for at this point is an s-load of conditions such as prohibiting data caps and longer net neutrality enforcement which is still a pipe dream.

52 Ill-Informed Mayors Agree: The Comcast/TWC Merger Is Greatest Thing Ever - Consumerist

The letter [nutterlovescomcast], signed by Nutter and 51 other mayors around the country, praises the merger as a way for current Time Warner Cable markets to benefit from “increased network investment, faster Internet speeds, improved video options and leading community development programs.”

Department of Delusion: Comcast Takes Credit for Google Fiber, Unicorns, and Kittens | community broadband networks

In light of all the evidence against Comcast’s track record for customer service, its glacial pace at upgrading Internet access, and its false promises for investment, we find the letter absurd, at best. But then it contains this gem:

Since the Comcast Time Warner Cable transaction was proposed, Google has announced plans to expand its high-speed Fiber service to 34 new communities.

Wow! Comcast wants to take credit for Google's investment in fiber networks? An investment by Google that is only necessary because the big cable companies have refused to meet the growing demand of our communities with better services?

This got us thinking, what else can Comcast take credit for since it announced the merger?

Since Comcast announced the merger, the Large Hadron Collider has not created a black hole large enough to destroy the Earth. #thankyouComcast
Since Comcast announced the merger, millions of kittens have been adopted #thankyouComcast
Since Comcast announced the merger, we have a potential Ebola vaccine #thankyouComcast
Since Comcast announced the merger, Bruce Willis has not had to blow up an asteroid to save our planet. #thankyouComcast