Comcast and Charter may soon control 70% of 25Mbps Internet subscriptions

Market share measurements based on the 25Mbps standard could factor into the FCC's ongoing review of Charter's merger. Comcast's attempt to buy TWC was prevented by the FCC over fears Comcast would use its greater size to harm online video services. But Charter argues that it isn't a danger in this case, because Charter doesn't impose data caps and promised not to charge online video services like Netflix for network interconnection deals that improve video quality. Charter said in November that it would serve 23 percent of the nation's 25Mbps-and-up broadband subscribers if it can buy TWC and BHN. Comcast has about 47.6 percent based on our calculations, pushing the two companies' total over 70 percent. The vast majority of Comcast subscribers have speeds of at least 25Mbps. - Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica [via/web:http://streaming-tv.us]