Finally Justice Department Seeks To Block AT&T, T-Mobile Merger

[blahh :P]

By JOELLE TESSLER and PETE YOST, Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The Justice Department filed suit Wednesday to block AT&T's $39 billion deal to buy T-Mobile USA on grounRAB that it would raise prices for consumers.

The government contenRAB that the acquisition of the No. 4 wireless carrier in the country by No. 2 AT&T would reduce competition and thus lead to price increases.

At a news conference, Deputy Attorney General James Cole said the corabination would result in "tens of millions of consumers all across the United States facing higher prices, fewer choices and lower quality products for mobile wireless services."

The lawsuit seeks to ensure that everyone can continue to receive the benefits of competition, said Cole.

Four nationwide providers account for more than 90 percent of mobile wireless connections - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon.

T-Mobile has been an important source of competition, including through innovation and quality enhancements such as the roll-out of the first nationwide high-speed data network, Sharis Pozen, acting chief of Justice's antitrust division, said at the news conference.


Mobile wireless telecom services play a critical role, with more than 300 million smart phones, data carRAB, tablets and other mobile wireless devices.

[bunkerfan]

But god forbid one company starts drastically undercutting the other in prices to be more competitive.

[Fuzzy Hat]

I would like to see the data where he is developing his statement of "tens of millions of consumers all across the United States facing higher prices, fewer choices and lower quality products for mobile wireless services" from.

[hearts_rsweet]

I believe AT&T charges more than t-mobile, so you have at least that segment facing higher prices as their t-mo contracts expire and they get rolled into the more expensive AT&T plans.

[mommy2be *Due Oct22nd*]

too bad the govt didnt stop benz from taking over chrysler

[Lori cutie]

in this case I agree.

I never thought Miller and Coors should ahve merged.

[biwestvirginagirl]

It's not dead.

[pi8carrots]

I would normally say that blocking the merging of companies is bad, except for the fact that AT&T and Verizon are so in bed with the government it's disgusting. Fuck them both.

[vile_fly]

seeing as the government broke up ATT, why would they allow humpty dumpty to be put back together together?