Comcast expects to close to Time Warner Cable deal in early 2015

Comcast said it was “optimistic” that it would close its $45 billion deal to buy Time Warner Cable in early 2015. Chief Executive Officer Brian Roberts said during a conference call on Tuesday that lots of information-gathering was taking place between Comcast and U.S. regulators. Chief Financial Officer Michael Angelakis said: “We are optimistic and feel comfortable” that the deal will close in early 2015. The merger is being closely watched, especially as the government considers tightening rules on how broadband Internet service is provided. Comcast is one of the leading broadband and cable providers in the United States. Later this week, the Federal Communications Commission will vote on whether to regulate broadband service companies like telephone companies. Roberts reiterated Comcast’s position, calling the proposal “antiquated.” Comcast earlier said fourth-quarter revenue rose 4.8 percent to $17.73 billion. Earlier reports suggest that Apple is in talks with Comcast to enter into a deal for a streaming-television service that would allow Apple set-top boxes to bypass congestion on the web, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Comcast declined to comment, while Apple was not immediately available for comment outside regular US business hours. Apple has been in talks for a faster TV set-top box with Time Warner Cable, which recently agreed to be bought by Comcast. With inputs from Reuters