Dish Network to file complaint with FCC that Comcast is blocking access to Philly sports

Dish to FCC: Comcast blocking Philly sports access

PHILADELPHIA — Dish Network is planning to complain to federal regulators that Comcast is refusing to provide access to a sports channel that airs games of the Philadelphia 76ers, Phillies and Flyers.

The satellite TV company said it will file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission soon about Comcast’s refusal to give Dish access to its Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia channel.

Dish said the FCC has banned owners of sports channels and other programming from blocking rivals’ access to content that travels over land-based networks.

Comcast says that’s true only if the competitors are harmed if they don’t get access. The cable company said there’s no proof Dish has been adversely affected in Philadelphia.