Financial thoughts

EarthLink, Inc. has filed at the Federal Communications Commission a petition to oppose the proposed $30 billion merger of Comcast Corp. and NBC Universal.

The Atlanta-based Internet service provider argued the merger would lead to Comcast getting involved in anti-competitive actions that would reduce consumer choice, restrict content diversity and interfere with Internet competition.

EarthLink (NASDAQ: ELNK) proposed the FCC adopt a condition requiring Comcast to offer wholesale standalone broadband access to independent Internet service providers.

"The access condition that EarthLink proposes today for the Comcast-NBCU merger will be a win for consumers and a win for online competition," said EarthLink Chairman and CEO Rolla Huff, in a statement. "The condition essentially enables Comcast customers to 'break the bundle' and purchase only the services they need or want. We look forward to working with the FCC and the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure the transaction results in greater consumer choice and competition."

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