If the FCC and DOJ fail to bar the cross marketing deal between Verizon and the cable companies the outcome will be lost jobs, higher prices for consumers and a continuation of the digital divide, according to the Communications Workers of America. The union said it appears the FCC is no longer focusing on the role of competition in keeping the industry healthy.
In a press statement on Friday the FCC stated:
"Regulators are demonstrating a real disconnect between supporting this deal and the Obama administration’s goals of affordable high speed Internet access for all and the good jobs that are necessary to push our sluggish economy forward.
The remedy to ensure competition and good jobs is clear: the FCC and DOJ should bar cross marketing within the Verizon footprint and require Verizon to continue buildout of its high speed FiOs network." http://www.fcc.gov 03-Aug-12