AT&T accuses Netflix of ‘double-talk’ when it comes to Comcast and Verizon deals

Jim Cicconi, AT&T's senior executive vice president for external and legislative affairs, said Netflix probably has a lot more leverage in its relationship with broadband companies than it's letting on.

"They've been able to get agreements that they obviously like with both Comcast and Verizon," said Cicconi. When a reporter pointed out that Netflix keeps complaining about the deals, Cicconi brushed the objections aside. "Then why on Earth would they have agreed to them? I think that's double-talk," he added. "No company that's in a for-profit business is going to act against its economic interests. Sure, any company would like to pay zero for services they need to deliver their business, but that's not a practical approach." The implication is that Netflix is at least breaking even if not coming out ahead in its negotiations with ISPs.