FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: December 16, 2011
Contact: Jenn Ettinger, 202-265-1490 x 35

WASHINGTON -- On Friday, Cox Communications announced that it will sell its spectrum to Verizon Wireless, in a deal similar to the one announced by Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks earlier this month.

Like Verizon’s deal with the other companies, the agreement also means Cox will resell Verizon services to its customers as part of a cable-wireless bundle.

Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:

“The cable cartel’s partnership with Verizon Wireless might be convenient for business, but it will most certainly come with a high cost to consumers. Without real competition for cable or mobile phone service, there's no pressure to lower prices or innovate. For consumers that means no choice but skyrocketing prices and onerous contract agreements while the cartel rakes in exorbitant profits.”

Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media and universal access to communications.