ITI backs AT&T/TWC

The proposed AT&T buy of DirecTV received support from Information Technology Industry Council and Washington Technology Industry Association. AT&T’s commitments to deploy fixed wireless local loop technology to new AT&T customers “is a significant step toward meeting our nation’s broadband needs,” ITI said in comments posted in docket 14-90 (http://bit.ly/1yVUl0V). The FCC should give significant consideration to the broadband investment and deployment commitments from AT&T, it said. Buying DirecTV is a “natural,” necessary, competitive response to the pressure applied by Comcast, WTIA said (http://bit.ly/1py71CB). Results from the deal include a stronger negotiating position with content creators “to ensure broader access to high value content for consumers,” it said.