Lawmakers Express Concerns Over AT&T/T-Mobile Deal
May 26, 2011, 2:42 PM by Eric M. Zeman
updated May 27, 2011, 8:18 AM
AT&T and Deutsche Telekom stood before congress today to explain why AT&T's proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA is good for American consumers. The lawmakers in attendance didn't appear to believe what AT&T had to say. "There are legitimate questions about whether this merger could move this market past the anti-competitive tipping point," said Virginia Representative Bob Goodlatte. California Representative Darrell Issa asked, "How am I going to be comfortable that all of these smaller carriers that remain ... how can they be assured that they'll get fair value" with respect to purchasing backhaul equipment, which lawmakers also said would fall too much into AT&T's favor. AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson defended the acquisition, saying it would help the combined entity push faster services into neglected rural regions. The lawmakers were unconvinced by most of the arguments provided by AT&T and Deutsche Telekom, though the final decision rests in the hands of the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice.
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Comments
Randall Stephenson...
You are asked a question on how this will benefit consumers and smaller carriers. You respond in kindly by elaboration of how "ATT" can get faster broadband service quicker to areas. So again, it is all about "ATT". Not about the smaller carriers or consumers interests.
From the sound of some of the strong concerns and questions by officials, I would think ATT would start to focus more on the actual intended questions rather than have an "It's all about ATT" attitude.
John B.
(continues)
Make the right choice
(continues)
