CEOs of both companies again said approving ATT’s...

CEOs of both companies again said approving ATT’s deal to buy DirecTV would have public benefits. DirecTV is disadvantaged in competing for consumers who want a broadband/video bundle and AT&T doesn’t currently promote stand-alone video “because the service is not profitable on that basis,” AT&T said in ex parte filings posted Wednesday in docket 14-90 (http://bit.ly/1jorVB7). They recount meetings this week with AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson, DirecTV CEO Mike White and all regular FCC commissioners. By achieving the anticipated deal synergies and enabling an effective bundle of broadband and video services in more areas, “the combined company will fill the gaps in each company’s respective service portfolios,” it said. The entity will remain “incented to provide both broadband and video on a standalone basis,” it said.