Cox forced to release documents to regulators:Ariz. probe looks into service deals

Fred Pilot sent this AZ Republic piece. Background: starting back in the 1980s, developers would cut deals with cable TV companies. In exchange for a covenant stating "no exterior antennas," the cable TV provider would run cable to the units for free. That meant that all owners would have to choose between paying for cable TV service and adjusting a set of rabbit ears (some people wrapped them in aluminum foil for better reception). Now, in the 21st century, we have these allegations of "preferred provider agreements":
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Arizona regulators Wednesday took the unusual step of asking a judge to force Cox to hand over documents relating to a statewide review of exclusive deals reached between the communications company and private developers...Michael Patten, a lawyer representing Cox, said the company's slow response was due to miscommunication, timing and a pending federal antitrust investigation of a deal that Cox reached to become the main provider of communications for the Vistancia master-planned community in Peoria...The state agency has two ongoing cases involving the issue of preferred providers, exclusive deals reached between developers and telecommunications companies in new-home communities.