Roku Talks Charter/TWC/BHN Conditions With FCC

Any approval of Charter Communications' buy of Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks should ensure New Charter doesn't impose data caps on broadband subscribers, especially since the growth of streaming as a primary means of video consumption means data caps will be a more significant issue three to seven years after the transaction, Roku officials including General Counsel Stephen Kay told FCC staff including Owen Kendler, who's overseeing the Charter review team. An ex parte filing Friday in docket 15-149 said Roku also talked about ensuring New Charter didn't put in place zero-rating schemes if it does impose data caps, and the need for anti-circumvention provisions to make sure New Charter abides with data cap and zero-rating requirements. In a statement, Charter said it "offers its customers a superior broadband product that does not include data caps, usage based billing, a modem fee or an early termination fee." Charter also said it's "committed to this consumer-friendly approach and [we] have no plans to change our practices.” During the FCC's open Internet proceedings, Roku also pushed for restrictions on data caps.