California PUC should tell FCC to nix Comcast-Time Warner merger

[Commentary] The new president of the California Public Utilities Commission, Michael Picker, has to restore consumers' trust in the regulatory agency. The proposed Comcast-Time Warner Cable mega-merger presents a golden opportunity.

The PUC should recommend that the Federal Communications Commission nix the $45 billion deal. The merger doesn't come close to passing the smell test. Comcast and Time Warner Cable are the two worst cable providers in the business, according to customer-service ratings. How can eliminating competition make them better? The PUC can't block the merger, but a strong recommendation would carry considerable weight with the FCC. The PUC does have the power to prevent the transfer of Time Warner Cable licenses to Comcast within the state borders. Other states could follow suit. The PUC should recognize that the merger would decrease the competition in the state and provide little incentive for Comcast to lower prices or improve services that are considered the worst in the business.