Comcast will retain NBC’s stake in Hulu, but is stripped of control
January 18, 2011 | 1:49 pm
Call it the Hulu Handcuff.
The federal government is making sure that Comcast Corp. won’t be able to use its newfound clout when it takes control of NBC Universal to sabotage the online video website Hulu.
Yes, but what provisions are in place to keep Comcast, one of the largest ISPs, from favoring Hulu over its competitors, like Netflix, being now that it has a 30% stake in Hulu?
If anyone is at all wondering why Net Neutrality is essential to a free and open Internet I give you exhibit A
Level 3, who recently signed a deal to become the primary provider for streaming Netflix content, was pressured by Comcast to pay a “recurring fee” “to transmit Internet online movies and other content to Comcast’s customers who request such content.” After a few days of negotiating, Level 3 paid the fee, ensuring uninterrupted service for Netflix subscribers.
via Comcast Is Bullying Netflix Partners Into Paying a Toll to Deliver Streaming Video.
