Netflix has asked the FCC to reject the upcoming merger of AT&T and DirecTV unless its competitive concerns are addressed.
Quoting a statement by the company’s spokeswoman Anne Marie Squeo, Reuters reports that Netflix is not opposing the $48 billion merger while it is participating in the government’s review. However, “we’ve been highlighting concerns about AT&T’s broadband practices and the need for appropriate remedies since last September.”
It adds that Netflix representative 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.
Squeo added: “The combination of these companies would increase the incentive and ability to limit competition and innovation in the online video space”.
