Verizon/cable expand cross marketing, ignoring DOJ concerns

On July 12, we reported that the U.S. Department of Justice had strong reservations about the Verizon/cable deal. An undisclosed source at the DOJ told Reuters, "The Justice Department has big concerns about what mischief could be done in undefined agreements that would lock out competitors."

Nevertheless, Verizon and Comcast are behaving as though regulatory approval is an annoyance at worst - something to be ignored. Consequently, the two companies added Florida and cities in Arizona and New Mexico to the 18 states where they are already marketing each other's services.

Moreover, "The companies are encouraging customers to sign up with a variety of promotions such as prepaid cards of up to $300, complementary upgrades and free in-home streaming television service."

In addition, Verizon has commenced cross marketing with two other cable operators: Cox Communications and Time Warner Cable. Verizon and Time Warner just added Maine and Nebraska to Alabama, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Some regulators still wary of Verizon-cable deal (Speed Matters, Jul. 12, 2012)

Verizon, Comcast Ramp Cross-Selling (Wireless Week, Jul. 23, 2012)

Comcast, TWC Extend Verizon Wireless Bundle Promos (Multichannel news, Jul. 23, 2012)