On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission and Justice Department did something extraordinary. They proposed a set of conditions on a major business agreement, Comcast’s take over of NBC Universal .The conditions are liked both by leading consumer advocates and company executives.

The director of research at the Consumer Federation of America, Mark Cooper stated that the terms, which are effective for seven years, gives a new dimension to efforts for promoting and protecting the public interest that is extremely important.

David Cohen, Comcast (CMCSA) Executive Vice President stated that the government was able to find a sweet spot" to protect the public without putting shackles on the company.

In Comcast's cable markets, fans of local sports and news channels should have more choice.

The new combined company will not be able to keep its networks or programs, including local sports and news services off of rival telephone or Satellite Company pay TV services. If Comcast and the rival do not come to an agreement on contract terms, the rival firm has the option of asking an arbitrator to resolve the matter within three months.

The terms might bring an end to disputes, similar to one that Comcast has had with Dish Network: Dish Network stated that Comcast, by unfair means had withheld its Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia regional sports network, which broadcasts games from the Philadelphia Phillies, Sixers, Eagles, and Flyers.

Web video providers including Netflix or Apple TV will be having two options to get NBC Universal shows.

They can license whole channels from NBC Universal but would need to carry them similar to the manner done by satellite and phone pay TV services, including buying channels in bundles.