Comcast-NBC merger expected to have network neutrality conditions

The Comcast-NBC Universal merger has been blessed by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski as long as the companies agree to certain conditions. Apparently, Comcast and NBC are expected to agree to network neutrality rules for a limited number of years. Those rules would be upheld even if the FCC's recently passed Internet access rules are overturned by courts.

Internet service provider Earthlink has petitioned for conditions that force Comcast to unbundle its broadband access so companies like it can provide Internet access to Comcast customers. Voxel, a company that hosts traffic for Web sites such as The Observer, said Comcast doesn't play fair in business-to-business relationships. Specifically, it said Comcast purposefully keeps its pipes congested for certain content delivery networks such as Voxel and Tata Communications in order to charge them for better delivery of content.

Broadcasting&Cable reports that the current draft approval order would require Comcast to deliver stand-alone Internet access for at least three years at a base price of $49.95 and a minimum speed of 6 Mbps downstream.

Seven additional members of Congress are calling on the FCC to approve the proposed merger expeditiously.