The FCC has made three previous requests for data. Congress also wants to hear more about the combination. While it doesn't directly review transactions, Congress often summons companies to Capitol Hill to discuss issues. America Online, the world's largest Internet company, and Time Warner, No. 2 U.S. cable-TV provider, have faced numerous questions about their union as critics argue it will thwart competition by dominating content and distribution of entertainment and information. Cable access Access to AOL-Time Warner's cable systems has remained a focus of the FCC's review.
Rivals argue that such agreements are unfair and limit their access to a growing market.
Regulators have avoided the issue to let the market resolve problems. Yet, AOL-Time Warner has forced regulators to consider the issue. While the companies have said they will permit unfettered access to their cable lines, the commission wants more details. The Federal Trade Commission, which is reviewing the combination for antitrust issues, had representatives at an Aug. 25 FCC meeting where the companies elaborated on their access plans. Companies have been slow to roll out the service because of technical disputes between broadcasters, content providers and equipment makers.