FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: February 22, 2012
Contact: Jenn Ettinger, 202-265-1490 x 35

WASHINGTON -- On Tuesday, Free Press filed a petition to deny the license transfers between Verizon, SpectrumCo and Cox Communications. The petition may be found here: http://www.freepress.net/vz-sc-petition

Free Press Research Director S. Derek Turner made the following statement:

“Verizon’s proposed deal with the cable cartel would destroy competition in the broadband market and put America’s broadband infrastructure on a path to collusion. The companies involved in this deal have essentially agreed to divide up the market and put an end to competing for consumers’ business. These agreements might benefit these phone and cable companies, but they come at a high cost to consumers. Without real competition for cable or mobile phone services, there's no pressure to lower prices or to innovate.

“Both the spectrum sale and the joint-marketing agreements that are part of these transactions are anti-competitive and against the public interest. While Verizon wants this spectrum, it doesn’t need it. According to the company's own public statements, Verizon will not put this highly valuable resource to its most immediate and efficient use.

“The FCC has a duty to weigh the significant impact of these deals on competition and consumers and it should deny these transactions outright.”

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.