EarthLink objects to Comcast-NBC Universal deal

CALIFORNIA: U.S. Internet service provider EarthLink Inc has filed a petition with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to block the planned merger of cable provider Comcast Corp and NBC Universal.

EarthLink said in its petition that the deal would result in anti-competitive practices and interfere with Internet competition.

GE and Comcast were not immediately available for comment.

Comcast, the No.1 U.S. cable operator, hopes to close a deal this year to set up a $30 billion joint venture with NBC Universal, now owned by General Electric, that it would control.

Last week, U.S. communications authorities took a step toward regulating high-speed Internet in a bid to reclaim oversight, setting the stage for an eventual legal showdown with industry heavyweights.

Comcast, along with big broadband providers like AT&T Inc and Verizon Communications Inc , opposes the FCC move, fearing the agency may heavily regulate their businesses in ways that could crimp profits and cast a cloud on investments