With Clock Ticking, New York City Officials Still Worried About Cablevision Deal

With two weeks to go before a decision is due, New York City officials are still making noise behind the scenes about concerns with Altice’s proposed acquisition of Cablevision.

Two top city officials reiterated potential concerns about the European telecom group’s $10 billion deal to buy Cablevision, whose customers are primarily in the greater New York area. City officials’ questions have included whether ambitious synergy goals and a big debt burden post-deal will lead to job cuts and underinvestment in customer service and broadband. They also worry the company will shirk investing in infrastructure for lower-income residents in Brooklyn and the Bronx in favor of wealthier communities in Westchester County and Long Island.