Netflix asks FCC to reject AT&T-DirecTV merger unless changes made

Netflix Inc has urged the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to reject the pending US$48 billion merger of AT&T Inc and DirecTV unless its concerns about the deal are addressed.

A Netflix spokeswoman said on Tuesday that the video streaming site does not oppose the merger in principle but is rather seeking remedies that would help resolve its competitive concerns.

“While we are participating in the government’s review, we are not opposing the merger,” the spokeswoman, Anne Marie Squeo, said in a statement. “We’ve been highlighting concerns about AT&T’s broadband practices and the need for appropriate remedies since last September.”

According to regulatory disclosures posted on Tuesday, Netflix representatives met recently with more than 20 FCC officials and raised concerns about the combined company’s gatekeeping power as it would become the country’s largest pay-TV provider with potentially expansive broadband reach.

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